I advise you to be patient in your search. (not easy I know) Try pawn shops, LGS, are worth a try; even Cabela's has a good value in a used 336 every once and a while. Gunbroker and other web sales and auctions are a toss of the dice, but I have always had good luck. Do some research, look at the pictures and if the seller has lots of positive feedback you probably can rely on them. GB and Guns America have a lot of overpriced guns, but if you're willing to wait you can find a deal. Gunshows are a good place to look as well. Marlin made 336's for many sales outlets like Sears, Ward's, Western Auto, JC Penney etc. You can find deals on them for less than a Marlin would cost. They usually are fitted with birch stocks and are not quite as fancy but function just as well. Good luck.1s1k52 wrote:Yeah sounds like used is the way to go with all the problems new ones have
Edit: You mentioned you wanted on with a crossbolt safety (actually I think it's a hammer block) so that narrows the window for year of manufacture to 1984 and Remlin. The JM proof mark is a good indicator. I think Remington closed the North Haven plant in 2010.