1949 Marlin 30-30 value

[Duuane]

I was at my local gun shop today, and as always, I look to see if they have any lever action 30-30's, I don't need one, but I want one. I have passed on new models, and several older models that are out of my price point. Today they put out a 1949 336 carbine. If it had been shot, it wasn't much, because it didn't look like it had been at all. The wood was great, the bluing was great and there is a packet with the original purchase paperwork that goes with it, for $1000.00. Two questions, does the price seen like a fair/good price? Also, I'm not a collector, and would be buying it to shoot and hunt with, can I count on something that old to function reliably considering parts might be hard or impossible to find, and I'm wondering if I'd be better off buying something new for a similar price? Thanks all

 

[Slickhill]

It’s probably worth around what they’re asking in that shape and with the paperwork. No reason it wouldn’t work fine for killing deer If all original you will be stuck with iron sights unless you want to drill and tap it and lose a bunch of value. The stocks on the 40s and 50s guns were more prone to crack due to the method used to inlet them, easy to address but something to think about on a more or less collectors item. Many of the other parts will interchange with current 336s and there isn’t too much to break on one anyway.

For strictly a user Id probably look for a little newer 336. By the early 60s they were D&T for scope, had the grooved hammer for a spur, and the stock and tang configuration had been changed slightly which didn’t make anything better or worse but makes replacement wood much easier to find. Of course I say this while having a pair of 50s SC 30/30s.

 

[eLightfoot]

While not what I’d consider a good price I’d call it fair if in unused condition. I’ve seen OG marlins sell locally for stupid amounts of money, but that was before Ruger started cranking them out. If you just want a beater I’d probably get a new ruger one. That one should have no holes for mounting a scope, if it does it’s way overpriced.

 

[Duuane]

It wasn't drilled and tapped for a scope. I guess I'm much more about accurate, functional, and reliable at a reasonable price. I got a little caught up with 75 years old and in great shape. I'm going to keep looking for a more current, blued, 30-30. thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Wolfshead]

For about $280 more you can get a brand new one.
From everything that I’ve heard about the Ruger Marlins they are as good or better that the original models.

 

[Duuane]

For about $280 more you can get a brand new one.
From everything that I’ve heard about the Ruger Marlins they are as good or better that the original models.

I've decided that's what I'm going to do. TKS