The new Marlin Model 336 BL has arrived. I got to handle one of these rifles at the 2010 SHOT SHOW in Las Vegas. The BL version stands for “Big Loop Lever”.
This new Model 336 version offers a slight variance of their highly popular lever action rifle with a hint of old West flavor. The Model 336 BL has an 18.5″ barrel that has a highly polished blued finish. The stock and fore grip are composed a brown laminate finish that will be familiar to Model 336 owners. And the Model 336 BL has the standard 6-shot tubular magazine that extends underneath and to the end of the barrel. Interior firing mechanisms are exactly the same as the standard Model 336.
The major difference in this model is the “BL”, the Big Loop Lever and the slightly shorter barrel than the standard Model 336. Those changes may seem like small differences, but the handling and speed of manipulating the lever are noticeable.
The shorter barrel just makes this “brush gun” that much easier to manage when going out in the field for a hunt in the brush or some fun time shooting at the range. And the “BL” is a nice addition to the gun collector/enthusiast who is looking for the out-of-the-ordinary in their firearms collection.
The Model 336 BL may not have been made in the 1870’s, but it has the look and feel of that old West rifle you would expect to see handled by a stage coach driver. According to Brandon Roper of Marlin, the 336 BL will have an MSRP of $591.85 and will be in stores this summer.
When you guys start buying this rifle and getting it to the range, how about coming back and giving us your thoughts on the gun. Â I know I would like to get your opinion and I’m sure your fellow readers would like to get your thoughts as well.