Marlin 336C Vs 336W [Which One Is Better?]

The Marlin 336C and Marlin 336W both are some of the most popular lever action rifles in the world.

Both rifles are made by Marlin Firearms, a company that has been producing quality firearms since 1870. Both rifles are chambered in .30-30 Winchester and are designed for hunting medium to large game.

They both feature a distinctive walnut stock and a blued steel receiver.

While the two rifles are similar, there are some key differences that set them apart. The Marlin 336C is a carbine model and features a shorter barrel and overall length than the Marlin 336W, which is a full-length rifle. The 336C also has a smaller magazine capacity than the 336W, which can hold up to seven rounds.

Both rifles are popular among hunters and sportsmen, and each has its own unique advantages.

Marlin 336C

The Marlin 336C is a classic lever-action rifle that holds a special place in the hearts of firearm enthusiasts and hunters alike. Manufactured by Marlin Firearms, this model has a rich history dating back to the late 1940s, and it has maintained its popularity due to its rugged design, reliable performance, and timeless appeal.

One of the standout features of the Marlin 336C is its lever-action mechanism, a design that harks back to the Old West era while still being practical and effective for modern hunting and shooting applications.

This lever action allows for quick cycling of rounds, making it well-suited for follow-up shots and rapid target acquisition.

Chambered in various calibers, including the .30-30 Winchester, the Marlin 336C has earned a reputation as a dependable and accurate rifle for hunting medium-sized game like deer and hogs, especially in brushy or wooded environments where shots are often taken at relatively short ranges.

Its compact size, relatively lightweight, and balanced handling make it a favorite among hunters who value maneuverability and versatility. The Marlin 336C typically features a hardwood stock and a blued steel finish, contributing to its classic and traditional appearance.

Marlin 336W

The Marlin 336W is a lever-action rifle that has gained popularity among hunters, sport shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts for its classic design and reliable performance.

Manufactured by Marlin Firearms, the 336W is a part of the Model 336 series, which has been in production for decades and is well-regarded for its durability and versatility.

One of the defining features of the Marlin 336W is its lever-action mechanism. This traditional design not only gives the rifle a distinctive appearance but also offers a smooth and quick way to cycle cartridges.

The 336W is chambered in .30-30 Winchester, a cartridge known for its balanced performance suitable for medium-range shooting and hunting game such as deer.

This rifle typically has a tubular magazine that can hold several rounds of .30-30 ammunition, making it well-suited for situations where follow-up shots might be necessary.

The wood stock and forearm of the Marlin 336W contribute to its classic aesthetic, while the blued finish on the barrel and receiver adds to its overall appeal. The rifle often features a solid construction and a robust build, which contributes to its reputation for reliability and long-lasting service.

Marlin 336C Vs Marlin 336W – Key Differences

Barrel Length

The first difference you will notice on these guns is the difference in the barrel. The length of both of these guns differs a lot. While the 336C fancies a 20.5” barrel, the 336W on the other hand was cut down to 20 and offered in 24-25” lengths as well!

Stock Design

Both of the guns here features an wooden stock and steel receiver. As you guessed it, the difference in stock is non-existence. They are identical guns in terms of receiver and the total build quality.

Due to having the same finish on the stock, they both look identical from afar as well.

Sights

The Marlin 336C comes with a semi-buckhorn rear sight and a brass bead front sight. The Marlin 336W comes with an adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight and a hooded ramp front sight.

Both rifles have an option for mounting a scope, but the Marlin 336W has a more modern design that allows for easier mounting and adjustment.

Trigger

The 336C has a traditional Marlin trigger, while the 336W has a Remington trigger. The Remington trigger is generally considered to be smoother and crisper than the Marlin trigger.

Safety

The Marlin 336C has a manual safety located on the left side of the receiver. The Marlin 336W has a cross-bolt safety located in the trigger guard. Both rifles feature a transfer bar that prevents the rifle from firing unless the trigger is pulled.

Weight

The Marlin 336C weighs 7.5 pounds, while the Marlin 336W weighs around 7 pounds. This difference in weight can be beneficial for hunters who need to carry their rifles for long distances.

Magazine Capacity

The Marlin 336C and Marlin 336W both have a magazine capacity of 6 rounds. The 336C is chambered in .30-30 Winchester and the 336W is chambered in .35 Remington.

Both rifles feature a tubular magazine that is loaded through the top of the receiver. The 336C and 336W both have a lever-action design that allows for quick follow-up shots. The Marlin 336 series is a popular choice for hunters and outdoorsmen due to its reliable performance and classic styling.

Caliber

Both the Marlin 336C and the Marlin 336W are chambered in the same caliber, .30-30 Winchester.

This is a powerful caliber that is suitable for hunting a variety of medium-sized game, such as deer, hogs, and black bear. It is also a popular choice for home defense, as it has enough stopping power to be effective.

Action

The Marlin 336C and Marlin 336W are two popular lever-action rifles. Both have a similar design, but there are some key differences that make them suitable for different types of hunting and shooting. Marlin 336C is chambered in .30-30 Winchester, while the Marlin 336W is chambered in .35 Remington.

The Marlin 336C is more suitable for hunting deer and other medium-sized game, while the Marlin 336W is better suited for hunting large game such as elk and bear.

The Marlin 336C has a 20-inch barrel, while the Marlin 336W has a 24-inch barrel, which gives it more accuracy and range. 336C is lighter and easier to carry, while the Marlin 336W is heavier and more stable when shooting.

The Marlin 336C is also less expensive than the Marlin 336W. Both rifles are reliable and accurate, so it is important to consider the type of hunting and shooting you will be doing before making a decision.

Recoil

Both rifles are chambered in .30-30 Winchester, and both have a recoil pad to help reduce felt recoil.

However, the Marlin 336C has a heavier receiver and heavier stock than the Marlin 336W, which helps to reduce felt recoil even further. The Marlin 336C also has a longer barrel than the Marlin 336W, which helps to reduce muzzle flip and improve accuracy.

In addition, the Marlin 336C has a larger diameter barrel, which helps to reduce the amount of energy transferred to the shooter’s shoulder when firing. The Marlin 336W does not have these features, which makes it more prone to felt recoil.

Accuracy

Both are chambered in .30-30 Winchester and feature a 20″ barrel. While they are similar in many ways, there are some differences in their accuracy.

The Marlin 336C is known for its excellent accuracy, with many shooters reporting sub-MOA (minute of angle) accuracy with factory ammunition.

This is due to the fact that the barrel is button-rifled, which helps to ensure a consistent bore diameter and rifling twist.The Marlin 336W is also known for its accuracy, but not to the same degree as the 336C. It has a cut-rifled barrel, which is not as precise as the button-rifled barrel of the 336C.

The 336W is still capable of producing good accuracy, but it may not be as consistent as the 336C.

Overall, the Marlin 336C is the more accurate of the two rifles, but the Marlin 336W is still a good choice for hunters who don’t need the highest level of accuracy.

Sight Options

Another notable distinction between these models is their sight options. The Marlin 336C typically comes equipped with a semi-buckhorn rear sight and a ramp front sight, allowing for precise target acquisition and shooting accuracy.

Alternatively, the Marlin 336W often features a simpler and more cost-effective open rear sight and a hooded front sight.

This difference in sight configuration may influence the choice of model based on the user’s shooting preferences and intended use, whether it be close-quarters hunting or long-range accuracy.

Marlin 336C Vs 336W – Similarities

The Marlin 336C and Marlin 336W are both lever-action rifles that are chambered in .30-30 Winchester. They are both similar in terms of their overall design and features. Here are some of the similarities between the Marlin 336C and Marlin 336W:

• Action: Both rifles use a lever-action mechanism to load and fire cartridges. This makes them quick and easy to operate, even with gloves on.
• Caliber: Both rifles are chambered in .30-30 Winchester, a popular cartridge for deer hunting and other big game hunting.
• Stock: Both rifles have a hardwood stock with a straight grip.
• Sights: Both rifles come standard with open sights, but they can be upgraded with a scope.
• Trigger: Both rifles have a single-action trigger that is known for its smooth, crisp break.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which one of them is better for hunting?

They are both great options for hunting. Depending on what you have on your hand, you might want to stick to it. But if you are buying them new, then you might want to go for the one that suits your hunting style. If you want to shoot long-range, you might want to stick to a longer barrel option.

What are the differences in recoil between the Marlin 336C and the Marlin 336W?

The Marlin 336C has a heavier barrel than the Marlin 336W, which helps to reduce felt recoil. The 336C also has a longer barrel, which helps to reduce muzzle flip and felt recoil.

Due to their similar design, they have almost the similar felt recoil.

Final Words

Marlin 336C and Marlin 336W are both excellent rifles that offer reliable performance and accuracy.

The Marlin 336C is a classic lever-action rifle that is lightweight and easy to use. The Marlin 336W is a more modern version of the 336C, featuring a stainless steel barrel and receiver for improved durability and corrosion resistance.

Both rifles offer great accuracy and are suitable for hunting and target shooting. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference.