Marlin Model 336-A .30-30 Lever-Action Rifle (1948 First-Year), Waffle-Top Receiver, 24-inch Barrel, Blued, Receiver Peep Sight
This first-year (1948) Marlin Model 336-A stands out with its early waffle-top matted receiver, 24-inch Rifle configuration, and period-correct features that predate Micro-Groove rifling and the cross-bolt safety. It is fitted with a receiver-mounted aperture rear sight, with the rear barrel dovetail cleanly filled, and retains a hooded ramp front sight. The rifle has a half-length tubular magazine with a stated 4+1 capacity, a crowned steel barrel, and smooth wood furniture, offering a desirable early configuration in very good condition with an excellent bore.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are minimal markings from previous handling and use. The bore is bright and clean.
What’s Included
- Marlin Model 336-A .30-30 lever-action rifle (1948)
- Receiver-mounted aperture (peep) rear sight installed
- Hooded ramp front sight
- Rear barrel sight dovetail plug
As an early Model 336-A, this rifle features the waffle-top matted receiver and a receiver top that is not drilled and tapped for scope bases. It has the factory left-side receiver holes for receiver sights, and this example is equipped with a receiver-mounted aperture sight. The original rear barrel open sight has been removed and the dovetail is filled with a proper blank.
The rifle is in the classic Rifle configuration with a 24-inch steel barrel and a steel forend cap rather than barrel bands. The barrel is crowned, and the sights are iron: a hooded ramp front sight paired with the receiver aperture rear sight. The half-length tubular magazine provides a stated capacity of 4+1.
This 1948 production example predates Micro-Groove rifling and does not have a cross-bolt safety, aligning with early Model 336 features valued by Marlin enthusiasts. The bore condition is excellent, with sharp lands and grooves, supporting the rifle’s strong internal condition.
Construction is steel with a blued finish, matched to smooth, uncheckered wood furniture. The stock has a pistol-grip profile with a shotgun-style buttplate and a listed length of pull of 13.5 inches. Made in the USA, this is a clean, collectible first-year 336-A configured for practical iron-sight use.