I bought a 336 about a month ago at a gun show. Waffle top had been punched for a scope. The rifle is a 1948 in dynamite shape. No dings in the wood and metal is great. So it had good care. I bought it will probably get some screws and fill the taps. I will put the screws on a light file and make sure all groves are parallel to barrel. OCD deal of mine from black powder building. I bet it would take a wizzard like Merlin to achieve a like it was never there restoration. I will be interested what the thundering herd has to say about this.

 

No way you're going to make it look like it didn't happen. Put the filler screws in it and maybe line the slots up with lines in the waffle top and be done with it. If you want to keep the screws in line use a drop of blue locktite on the threads. You have a great gun and enjoy it.

 

It is the way it is but not any less a quality well made Marlin rifle. And when your eyes get old like mine you may put that scope back on.

 

I'd stick a Skinner peep on it and cherish it.

 

Our Skinner ALASKAN or EXPRESS should cover all the holes and add function and beauty to the gun. (Many customers have used them for this exact purpose.)

Hope that helps.

Andy

 

You didn't say what scope it is?, my "G" code 336A 35 Rem is drilled and tapped, it had plug screws in it when I got it, a vintage Weaver "K-4" sits on top now, it looks good and shoots GREAT!

 

I have considered patching unwanted holes with a dab of colored epoxy. Maybe You could cut or stamp in the waffle. I have not tried this technique, I am just spit balling.

 

I am sure it can be done to look like it came from the factory. I would think you would be better off cost wise to find one in like condition that is not drilled. It is not like it is super rare.

 

I don't find it a huge issue. If I am looking and the waffle has been tapped it does not kill the deal. Didn't for me. If mine had not been tapped I would not have drilled it. Now I am thinking of filling with screws, maybe a Skinner or down on the list a scope. These will never qualify for dead mint in the box condition. I used the violated waffle as a bargaining point.

 

thanks guys, ill probably just get shorter screws so i can have the option of having a scope.

 

Put flush slotted screws and use purple locktight . Many places to buy and here is one http://www.midwayusa.com/product/445105/loctite-222-threadlocker-purple

You won't notice it that much, but it is still a very nice rifle. My two cents.

 

Also available on our special items page at Marlin peep sights.

 

Sell it and buy a pristine one.Prices have come down lately.:biggrin:

 

I have a waffletop drilled and tapped for a scope and still have a scope on it. At what point is an old rifle like this "ruined" My other waffletop has an old Redfield peep sight on it and no rear sight (darn thing shot about a foot high with the factory sight) but the old Redifeld does not seem to bother collectors. Uing the old vintage scopes with mounts is a good idea. At what point is the modification a sign of Dad's or Grandads use and appreciation for the old rifle and a modern user's Bubba job? My 35 came with a 3X9 scope which got canned and now carries a nice little 1.5X4.5 power shotgun scope. One of the best combinations I have used for deer. Parson's idea about the Skinner sight is also a good one. If its a rifle I use then it should be in usable condition. Pristine collectables are safe queens.

DEP

 

Put a skinner on it or just drop a scope on it. Its still a (JM) stamped and that alone stands for something. :tee:

 

Turnbull can probabally hide the holes, but you may faint at the cost. I suggest flush plug screws, then fill the slots with black epoxy such as Devcon or something similar.

Best wishes,

 

Look at it this way. It is still a wonderful find, and if you want to customize - just do it! not a museum piece, but something unique for you! AC

 

Easiest way is to have the holes welded shut then have the waffle squiggly lines ground to a smooth finish.

Only other option I know of is have it welded shut, then have a master engraver restore the lines.

At this time I only have one waffle and it's drilled and tapped. It was that way when I bought it. Me it just gives me other options for old guy sights.

Here is mine with a skinner long range mounted to it. I'm very happy with it.