NRA Gun of the Week: Marlin Firearms Model 336 Dark

by
posted on April 17, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

The Model 336 Dark is the latest launch from within the Marlin Firearms stable of classics. The carbine bears new-age tech, metal treatments and adornments that stretch the confines in which this model and style of arm has lived within for decades.

This latest .30-30 Win.-chambered lever-action rifle is a viable tool with myriad purpose, too. Home defenders, hunters and plinkers alike will find the utilitarian approach Marlin employed as modern and practical. The side-ejecting Model 336 features a solid, flat-top receiver that was design for use with optics, and the Dark series, in its factory form, comes standard with XS Sights Lever Rail, which houses an adjustable aperture rear sight. A large front sight post, with a single white line, is perched atop the 16.25” barrel just rear of the 5/8x24 t.p.i muzzle threads.

Parkerizing was used to minimize the risk of metal corrosion. The phosphating process increases wear-resistance, too. Marlin’s Parkerization process renders a matte-black finish for the Marlin 336 Dark. Painted hardwood chosen for the buttstock and fore-end features a black-web-textured finish. The painted texturing provides users of the carbine with assurance when handling, especially when moist conditions are encountered.

Marlin included cordage wrapping on its big-loop lever, and a sling woven of the same paracord-type material. A rifle capable of withstanding abuse through excessive use, Marlin turned out the lights with its latest adaptation of its Model 336.

To learn more about the Marlin 336 Dark, watch our NRA Gun of the Week video above.
 
Marlin 336 Dark Specifications
Manufacturer: Marlin Firearms
Model: 336 Dark
Type: lever-action center-fire rifle
Chambering: .30-30 Win.
Barrel: 16.25”; threaded 5/8x24 t.p.i 
Finish: Parkerized
Stock: black web-textured painted finish
Sights: adjustable XS Ghost Ring aperture rear, white-striped post front
Magazine: five-round capacity, tubular
Length: 34.5”
Weight: 7.65 lbs.
MSRP: $949.00

Further Reading:
Tested: Marlin 336 Dark Lever-Action Rifle
Marlin Model 1895: The Ultimate Guide Gun
Get A Grip On Lever-Action Accuracy
Lever-Actions for Personal Defense
A Look Back at the Marlin Model 1895

 

Barrl in hand and text calling out 5/8"x24 muzzle threads.
Rear-view of Marlin rifle with text highlight XS Sights Lever Rail.
Buttstock of Marlin rifle on white background.
Man in black shirt and shooting gear shooting a lever-action rifle on white shooting range.

Extras:
NRA Gun of the Week: Marlin Firearms 1894 CSBL


ARTV: Marlin Firearms Today


NRA Gun of the Week: Marlin 1895 GSBL Lever-Action Rifle


British 1st Airborne in WW2; Marlin Model 1894; Bergmann MP-28 Sub Machine Gun


Colt Model 1895 "Potato Digger"

Latest

Christensen Rifles factory floor
Christensen Rifles factory floor

Building Christensen Rifles: A Hands-On View

A cutting-edge enterprise takes on the lightweight-hunting-rifle market with models that defy expectations—all without flinching.

New For 2026: 25 WBY RPM

The 25 WBY RPM is the 17th proprietary cartridge developed by Weatherby, a company whose name is synonymous with magnum cartridges and bullet speed.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 12, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Firearm Industry Philanthropic Efforts Endure, Despite Lagging Gun Sales

Gun sales in 2025 may not eclipse records, but the firearm industry’s generosity continues to abound, even within challenging economic circumstances.

Product : Ten21 Tactical “The Junk Drawer” Tripod Hammock

Precision shooters using tripods to support their rifles can keep miscellaneous gear organized and within reach by attaching The Junk Drawer by Ten21 Tactical to the tripod’s legs.

Review: SAR USA SAR9 SOCOM Compact

The SAR9 SOCOM Compact from SAR USA packs popular tactical features into a compact package.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.