Marlin Model 336 Classic

The Marlin 336 is the rifle that defined American deer hunting for three generations. Ruger acquired Marlin from Remington in 2020 and reintroduced the 336 Classic in 2023 from the Mayodan, North Carolina plant. Build quality is the best the 336 has seen since the original New Haven production: cold-hammer-forged barrel, fitted American black walnut stock, satin blued finish, and a checkered walnut forend.

The action is a side-ejecting lever that clears the top of the receiver, so a scout-style scope mount or a low-ring traditional scope mounts without an offset rail. The .30-30 cartridge is exactly what whitetail hunters have used inside 200 yards since 1894, and the 6-round tubular magazine plus one in the chamber gives the same payload profile that has worked for every previous Marlin generation. This is the right pick for stand hunting, brush country, and anyone who wants a rifle that fits the cultural memory of American deer hunting.