What to upgrade on Lever, Marlin 336

**Pappabear** · 09-06-12, 16:36

Mr Smith and other lever such experts:

I am picking up a Marlin 336, 18.5 barrel, blue with brown laminate wood. Just a regular base gun. I have a shit load of guns, AR's, 1911's...this is my first Lever (well 2nd - Henry 22LR).

What would you suggest I upgrade. Action job, trigger....

For example, my 308 Bolt gun, first thing I got a Timney trigger, then bedded it......

What processes or work do you recommend? Have anyone in Phx you recommend? I could ship to you. Any help appreciated.

**JStor** · 09-06-12, 20:40

Receiver sights.

**youngAR** · 09-11-12, 21:17

If you already haven't found out, the sights suck. Maybe some XS ghost ring sights and scout rail if you have plans for optics.

If you've got big mitts or wear gloves, a large lever would be good.

Wild West Guns and Grizzly Custom do exceptional lever gun work.

**Pappabear** · 09-11-12, 22:20

It has the big loop. Only smith in AZ that I found is Nelson Ford.

Any links to rear sight suggestions?

I will run only irons, no glass on this big boy.

**jbjh** · 09-11-12, 23:23

Go to the marlinowners forums and check out Skinner Sights. Nice stuff for a good price.

Lots of folks swear by the Wild West Guns Happy Trigger kit.

**Straight Shooter** · 09-11-12, 23:40

Do a search here for Mr. Smith..his posts have a ton of pics with Marlins he customizes...true artwork.

**okie john** · 09-12-12, 13:54

Marlins don't need much.

I'd upgrade to peep sights and a better front blade right away. Then I'd shoot it or dry fire several hundred times before paying for a trigger job--the factory trigger may smooth up nicely. I might add a recoil pad if I felt the LOP wasn't right. And I'd definitely de-horn the inside of the loading gate opening and the loading gate cover to save a little wear and tear on my fingers and on brass. You should be good other than that.

For rear sights, it's hard to beat http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/s...eiver-peep.php They're rugged as hell: check out any decent pawnshop and you'll see dozens of old guns wearing these sights in good working order. They're survivors.

Inside of 200m, a modern lever gun will shoot about 2 MOA with good ammo. Don't expect match accuracy and you won't be disappointed. Just enjoy it for what it is--a 19th century assault rifle.

Okie John

**Pappabear** · 09-30-12, 02:44

Got my Marlin 336 , big loop , laminated wood. Pretty nice. Shot a couple boxes of ammo. One hornandy and one cheap federal.

Just took in today to get an action job and trigger job. Also, a fiber optic front sight. My 50 yr old eyes struggle a bit.

#1) Whats the best peep sight? Whats the sight I see with side rails that is a ghost ring on all the custom guns?

#2) do any of you guys put a better recoil pad on your Marlin. Mine is hard as a rock! If you added a recoil pad, would you cut stock down so it didnt add length?

Thanks