comparison Marlin 336 30-30 and Rossi Rio Grande

[93marshooter]

I had the chance today to compare new off the rack Marlin 336 30-30 and Rossi Rio Grande 30-30. I did not have them at the range but at a gun counter. The Rio is much smoother and refined. Clearly better quality control from Rossi. It is a bit lighter than the 336. The 336 has poorer finish on metal and wood. At the same price the choice is clear. Operating the lever the Rio is smoother and easier. Dealer Jebo's in Lubbock said he was selling lots of the Rossi rifles. It is, in the end, a sad report.

[Griff]

Hopefully, Remington can get those issues turned around b4 Marlins go the way of Winchesters... strictly used! (The Japchesters notwithstanding)!

[Modoc ED]

Sad to read that. I'm glad my .444 Marlins are from earlier times -- one a 1979 model and the other I think a 2005/2006 model.

[Chuck 100 yd]

All of my Marlins are fine but the newest is before the break up and move. Hope they get it together at Remington!!!

[Sarge]

Good to hear from someone who has actually handled one of the Rossi's. Looking at web photos, the Rossi looks almost duracoated. Did it have a semi-polished blue finish?

Thanks again for the report.

[Dave]

Oh man that is a scary report!

[93marshooter]

The Rossi had a very nice polished blue finish. It is not mirror blue but much better done than the Marlin. the Marlin had almost a bead blasted surface that was blued. Without knowing a brand the Rossi would clearly be the one to buy.

[Sarge]

Thank you... I see they have a 45-70 out now, which is tempting me, and I was curious about their finish.

[6pt-sika]

To each his own . My own personal preference would be pre 2006 Marlin's in general and for my own needs pretty much pre 1976 Marlin's be it 30-30 , 32 Special , 35 REM ,44 MAG , 444 or 45-70 .

Marlin had two eras that I particularly like ! The 1892-1920 era and the 1948-1975 era .

[marlin shooter]

With all the good used Marlin's around, no need to buy either one of these. I have handled both at the store, and wasn't impressed by them. Admittedly I havn't fired any. Remington need's to straighten out it's Marlin line.
Karl

[Pete44ru]

Ole John Marlin's a rollin' in his grave,
Ole John Marlin's a rollin' in his grave.
Ole John Marlin's a'rollin' in his grave,
But his soul goes marchin' on...................

.

[Newtmaker]

Thank you... I see they have a 45-70 out now, which is tempting me, and I was curious about their finish.

With a 20" bbl and 5.8 pounds that sucker would have a "kick" I'd imagine!!

Walt

[Warhawk]

I've been in two Academy Sports stores here in DFW lately. Both had the Rossi 30-30 leverguns on the shelf. I wasn't interested enough to have a look.

[olyinaz]

I had the chance today to compare new off the rack Marlin 336 30-30 and Rossi Rio Grande 30-30. I did not have them at the range but at a gun counter. The Rio is much smoother and refined. Clearly better quality control from Rossi. It is a bit lighter than the 336. The 336 has poorer finish on metal and wood. At the same price the choice is clear. Operating the lever the Rio is smoother and easier. Dealer Jebo's in Lubbock said he was selling lots of the Rossi rifles. It is, in the end, a sad report.

Yep, did the same side by side looky myself recently. The Marlin was put to shame by the Rossi. How sad is that?

Oly

[KCSO]

I have to admit that my expirience is about the same. The new Marlins are rough with sharp edges and curls of steel filing s blued up in the action. I am not happy with Remington so far and Bushmaster has slipped too.