Marlin Model 336C Lever-Action Carbine: The Quintessential American Hunting Rifle

For generations of hunters and shooting enthusiasts, the Marlin Model 336C has stood as a beacon of dependability, precision, and enduring American craftsmanship. Often considered the flagship of the Model 336 family, this lever-action carbine in .30-30 Winchester is more than just a firearm; it's a trusted companion in the field, a cornerstone of any collection, and a testament to a heritage of excellence. If you're searching for a reliable brush gun, a versatile medium-game rifle, or a classic piece of firearms history, the Model 336C answers the call with unmatched performance.

Why Choose the Marlin 336C? Unpacking Its Enduring Appeal

Many users ask, "What is the best rifle for deer hunting in thick cover?" or "Which lever-action rifle offers the best combination of power and maneuverability?" The Marlin 336C consistently emerges as a top recommendation for these very reasons. It is meticulously designed for hunters who navigate dense woods and brush, where quick target acquisition and a compact profile are paramount. Beyond its practical applications, its classic aesthetic and smooth lever-action operation appeal to those who appreciate traditional firearms and the satisfaction of mastering a truly iconic design.

This rifle solves a multitude of problems for various shooters:

• For the Hunter: Provides the perfect balance of power for deer, hog, and black bear, combined with a short barrel for easy handling in tight spaces. Its rapid follow-up shots are invaluable in dynamic hunting scenarios.
• For the Sport Shooter: Offers a unique and engaging shooting experience compared to bolt-action rifles, making range sessions enjoyable and skill-building. The iconic lever-action cycle is a joy to operate.
• For the Collector/Enthusiast: Represents a significant piece of American firearms history, known for its robust build and timeless design. Its ongoing popularity ensures its place as a revered classic.
• For Those Seeking Reliability: Built to withstand the rigors of the outdoors, the 336C is famous for its unwavering performance in challenging conditions, from damp forests to dusty plains.

Unrivaled Features for Peak Performance

The Marlin Model 336C, SKU 70504, in .30-30 Winchester caliber, embodies a commitment to durability, pinpoint accuracy, and classic good looks. Every aspect of this carbine is thoughtfully engineered to deliver superior results in the field or at the range.

The Heart of the System: .30-30 Winchester Caliber

The .30-30 Winchester caliber, a cornerstone of American hunting, is perfectly suited for the 336C. Users frequently inquire, "Is the .30-30 Winchester still effective for hunting?" Absolutely. This cartridge has successfully taken millions of deer and other medium-sized game for over a century. It's renowned for its moderate recoil, making it comfortable for extended shooting sessions and accessible for a wide range of shooters, including those newer to centerfire rifles. Its effective range aligns perfectly with the typical distances encountered in brush and forest hunting environments, ensuring humane and effective harvests. The tubular magazine holds 6 rounds, providing ample capacity for hunting trips without frequent reloading, a crucial advantage when tracking game.

Precision in Every Shot: 20" Micro-Groove Barrel

A defining characteristic of the Marlin 336C is its 20-inch barrel, featuring Marlin's legendary Micro-Groove rifling. This unique rifling pattern, with 12 distinct grooves and a 1:10" twist rate, significantly enhances accuracy. Unlike traditional rifling, Micro-Groove uses a greater number of shallower lands and grooves, which minimizes bullet deformation and improves projectile stability. This design is particularly beneficial for cast bullets and provides exceptional precision with jacketed rounds as well. The shorter barrel length contributes directly to the carbine's exceptional handiness, making it easy to maneuver through dense undergrowth, enter and exit tree stands, and handle quickly for fast-moving targets. This 20-inch profile provides an optimal balance between ballistic performance and portability, making it a true "brush gun" where shots are often taken at closer ranges.

Aesthetics Meet Durability: American Black Walnut Stock

The rifle's aesthetic appeal is immediately apparent in its American black walnut stock and fore-end. This isn't just about looks; the dense grain of the walnut provides a solid, comfortable grip and contributes to the rifle's overall balance. The wood is enhanced with fine-cut checkering on both the pistol grip and the fore-end, offering a secure hold even in wet conditions. The Mar-Shield finish, Marlin's proprietary protective coating, provides exceptional resistance to abrasions, moisture, and the typical wear and tear encountered during hunting expeditions. This durable finish ensures that the rifle maintains its rich, classic appearance for years to come, reflecting pride of ownership. The fluted comb on the stock allows for a comfortable cheek weld, aligning the shooter's eye perfectly with the sights.

Ready for Optics: Solid-Top Receiver

One of the most praised features of the Marlin 336C is its flat, solid-top receiver, which comes factory-drilled and tapped for scope mounts. This design offers a superior platform for mounting optics compared to many other lever-action designs, which often have top ejection or less stable mounting options. The solid top provides robust support for a scope, ensuring zero retention even after heavy use. This versatility allows hunters to easily equip their 336C with a preferred scope for longer-range precision or low-light hunting, adapting the rifle to various hunting conditions and personal preferences. Alternatively, for those who prefer classic iron sights, the rifle comes equipped with excellent adjustable sights.

Reliable Sights and Smooth Operation

The sighting system on the 336C is designed for quick target acquisition and adjustability. It features a ramp front sight with a brass bead for clear visibility and a Wide-Scan hood that protects the bead from glare and damage while providing a broad field of view. The adjustable semi-Buckhorn folding rear sight allows for precise elevation adjustments, enabling shooters to dial in their accuracy for different distances. The deep blued finish on the barrel, receiver, and other metal components not only provides a rich, elegant appearance but also offers significant corrosion resistance, protecting the rifle from the elements.

The side ejection mechanism is another key benefit, especially for those who plan to use a scope. Unlike top-ejecting lever actions, the side ejection ensures spent casings are thrown clear to the side, preventing them from interfering with mounted optics. This thoughtful design element enhances both the rifle's reliability and its user-friendliness.

Safety and Ergonomics: Designed for Confidence

Safety is paramount, and the Marlin 336C incorporates a reliable hammer block safety. This mechanism prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger is intentionally pulled, adding an important layer of protection against accidental discharge. The rubber buttpad on the stock provides excellent recoil absorption, making the .30-30 Winchester's already mild recoil even more manageable, which is a significant comfort during extended shooting sessions or when training new shooters. Swivel studs are also factory-installed, making it incredibly easy to attach a sling for comfortable carrying during long treks through hunting grounds.

Performance in the Field: What to Expect

The Marlin 336C is celebrated for its intuitive handling and impressive real-world performance. Its 38.5-inch overall length and manageable weight of 7 pounds make it supremely portable. Whether you're navigating dense timber, climbing steep terrain, or spending hours in a deer stand, its compact size and balanced feel reduce fatigue.

Shooters consistently report that the 336C delivers consistent accuracy, particularly within the typical 100-150 yard ranges common for .30-30 hunting. With quality ammunition and a steady hand, or combined with a suitable optic on its drilled and tapped receiver, tight groups are easily achievable. The smooth lever action cycles reliably, allowing for quick follow-up shots if needed, a critical advantage when pursuing game. The balance of power from the .30-30 cartridge and the rifle's ergonomic design creates an experience that is both effective and deeply satisfying.

Caring for Your Marlin 336C

Maintaining your Marlin 336C is straightforward, thanks to its robust construction. The Mar-Shield finish protects the wood, and the deep bluing protects the metal components from rust and wear. Regular cleaning of the bore, action, and exterior surfaces, especially after use in wet or dusty conditions, will ensure its longevity and continued reliable operation. A light coating of gun oil on metal parts helps prevent corrosion. Its simple, proven design makes disassembly for cleaning and maintenance accessible for most users, further enhancing its appeal as a dependable workhorse firearm.

Where to Find Your Marlin 336C

When you're ready to acquire this iconic lever-action carbine, DEGuns is your trusted source. We specialize in providing high-quality firearms, accessories, and expert advice, ensuring you find the perfect Marlin 336C for your needs. The Marlin 336C, SKU 70504, with its unwavering reliability and classic design, represents an investment in a piece of American firearms heritage that will serve you well for generations.

Whether your passion lies in hunting, sport shooting, or collecting classic firearms, the Marlin Model 336C lever-action carbine in .30-30 Winchester offers an unparalleled blend of function, form, and historical significance. It's not just a rifle; it's a legacy.

Marlin Model 336C Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model	Marlin 336C Lever-Action Carbine (SKU 70504)
Caliber	.30-30 Winchester
Barrel Length	20 inches
Rifling Type	Micro-Groove, 12 grooves
Twist Rate	1:10" right-hand twist
Magazine Type	Tubular magazine
Magazine Cap.	6 rounds
Safety	Hammer block safety
Stock Material	American Black Walnut with fine-cut checkering
Stock Finish	Mar-Shield finish
Comb Style	Fluted comb
Metal Finish	Deep blued barrel and receiver
Ejection	Side ejection
Front Sight	Ramp front sight with brass bead and Wide-Scan hood
Rear Sight	Adjustable semi-Buckhorn folding rear sight
Recoil Pad	Rubber buttpad
Receiver Type	Flat, solid top (Drilled & Tapped for scope mounts)
Accessories	Swivel studs included
Overall Length	38.5 inches
Weight	7 pounds
UPC	736676705047