Expert: Steven L. Ashe - 3/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have searched for the Model 336-R.C. Marlin lever action in 30/30 cal. and cannot find it, much less the used value.  The serial # is in the high 2000's.  The gun is in real good shape. There is one small scratch on the side of the barrel near the muzzle and about 2 or 3 VERY small scratches on the stock. This model had the gold trigger. I did find info that the 336-w had the gold trigger. The guy that sold it to me said it was made from about 1950 to 60'something. Can you tell me if I got ripped for paying $300.00 for it?

ANSWER: Hello Robert,
I have owned Marlin 336 rifles, but I did not remember the "RC" model. I simply did a search for "336RC" and a fair number of hits came up. $300 appears to be to going rate for a 336RC in good condition, as you described.
The straight grip models were early ones. Later the 336RC had a pistol grip.
30-30 was the most common caliber, but the 336RC was also made in .35Rem. and 32Special.
If you like 30-30 lever action rifles, you have a good one and you got it at a fair price.
The side ejection of the Marlin makes scope mounting easy and the scope can go right over the center of the receiver, unlike the old Winchester Model 94 rifle, where the ejection is out the top and the scope has to be mounted off to the left of the receiver.
Please leave me feedback on the site, as that is my only payment for doing this.
Ask more if you need to.
Best,
Steven L. Ashe

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Steven, Thanks for your informative and very timely reply. I was glad to hear I got a nice gun for a fair price.  I was told a few "untruths" about the resale price from the seller. I was deep into the firearms scene years ago so I had limited knowledge now. I was hoping for more value but will still smile as I work the lever!
Bob

Answer
Bob,
Thanks for your kind feedback on the site!
You probably know that in real estate, it is location, location, location. In firearms, it is condition, condition, condition. I read what you said about the condition of your 336RC, but that knowledge is way to scant to make a value judgement. Just too little info and probably without handling the rifle, I could not make a real guess as to value. Your rifle, if in better than average condition could fetch much more than $300. Another issue : Since we have our new President in the White House, along with his gun killing party, firearms values have shot upward in a very drastic manner. Gun buyers are driving up prices by wanting to get guns now. They believe that the new administration will cut off gun sales. I don't believe that, but who knows for sure. So, good news for you is that you got your Marlin 336RC at last year's price. We will not have a handle on what that model may have gone to, until a year passes. I wager that next year, you will be even happier with your "bargain" Marlin.
Shoot it and have fun with it! If you give the care that I know you will, it will not go down in value, but only up!
Best,
Steven