Over the years it shot a number of deer. One day I was driving my ATV out to the hunting area with the Marlin 336 strapped on the front luggage rack. A bit of the stock was sticking out past the rack and it clipped a tree breaking the stock at the wrist. Luck would have it that the gun was in a soft case and all the wood pieces were accounted for. I returned to the camp and used some 5 minute epoxy to put the puzzle back together. I hunted again that afternoon with it and for many more years.
The gun has seen it's share of bumps and bruises. So at some point, I did a little customization. Cut the barrel down, Gun Koted the whole thing Semi Flat Black and painted the stock with Brownell's Grit Paint. A few more deer fell to this new modified rifle.
About ten years ago I decided to sell it as I simply had no need or want of a lever action. I sold it to a friend at my gun club for $75. But now I have Marlinitis! I contacted the friend to buy it back as I knew he had had some medical problems and wasn't going to be using it. But he sold it to another fellow who sold it to another fellow. Well, finally I tracked it down and bought it back this morning for $150 (inflation?)
So here it is:
Better pictures when the rain stops.
The wood will be replaced, the barrel will be Octagon in 7-30 Waters Ackley, and the receiver will be color case hardened.
Once I get it all done it will be presented to my eldest grandson as his first deer rifle..........
