Marlin Model 336C .35 Remington with Walnut Stock: The Classic Brush Gun with Big-Bore Character

Marlin Model 336C 35 Remington with Walnut Stock. In the world of American hunting rifles, few names resonate like the Marlin Model 336. A timeless favorite among woodsmen and deer hunters, the 336 has long been celebrated for its balance, power, and classic lever-action feel. Among its many variants, the Marlin 336C chambered in .35 Remington stands out as a unique combination of old-school muscle and modern reliability—especially when paired with a richly finished walnut stock.

This rifle isn’t just another nostalgic piece. The 336C .35 Rem offers a compelling alternative to the ubiquitous .30-30, delivering a heavier bullet for increased energy and knockdown power. It’s a true woods rifle: compact, fast-handling, powerful, and deeply rooted in North American hunting heritage.

This article explores the history, features, ballistics, hunting capabilities, and practical reasons why the Marlin 336C in .35 Remington with a walnut stock remains one of the best-kept secrets in big woods hunting.

A Legacy Carved in Steel and Walnut: The Marlin 336 Platform

First introduced in 1948, the Marlin Model 336 evolved from earlier lever-action designs and introduced several innovations that made it more adaptable to modern optics and cartridges. Its side-ejecting receiver allowed for easy scope mounting, setting it apart from top-eject lever guns of the era.

The 336 quickly became a go-to rifle for deer hunters across the U.S., particularly in the Eastern woodlands, Appalachian hills, and Midwestern thickets where shots rarely exceed 150 yards. Marlin’s robust construction, smooth lever action, and variety of chamberings cemented the 336’s reputation as a working rifle that gets the job done.

What Makes the 336C in .35 Remington Special?

While the .30-30 Winchester is the most common chambering for the 336, the .35 Remington option offers unique advantages. Introduced in 1906, the .35 Remington was designed to outperform the .30-30 with a heavier bullet and greater energy—without venturing into magnum territory.

The 336C in .35 Remington has a distinctive “big-bore” lever gun feel that offers real-world benefits for serious hunters.

Highlights of the Marlin 336C .35 Rem:

• Chambered in .35 Remington: Delivers a heavier bullet (typically 200 grains) for more energy and deeper penetration
• Genuine American walnut stock with cut checkering and rich finish
• 20-inch barrel for a perfect blend of velocity and compactness
• Side ejection and solid-top receiver—scope-friendly
• 6+1 tubular magazine for ample capacity in the woods
• Traditional lever-action design, ideal for close-to-medium range hunting

The 336C .35 Rem is the kind of rifle that feels as good in the hands as it looks in the rack—ready for anything from still-hunting whitetails to stalking black bears.

The .35 Remington Cartridge: Muscle with Manners

The .35 Remington is one of the few classic cartridges that has persisted over a century with minimal changes—because it still works.

Ballistic Profile (Typical Factory Loads):

• Bullet Weight: Usually 200 grains
• Muzzle Velocity: ~2,000 fps
• Muzzle Energy: ~1,800–2,000 ft-lbs
• Effective Range: 200 yards (optimal within 150 yards)
• Recoil: Noticeably more than .30-30, but still manageable

Where the .30-30 might fail to punch through thick brush or heavy bone, the .35 Remington excels. Its heavier, larger-diameter bullet retains more energy and causes deeper wound channels—critical for quick, ethical kills on tough game.

Key Features of the Marlin 336C .35 Remington

Let’s break down the key components that make the 336C a standout lever-action rifle.

1. Walnut Stock with Checkering

True to its classic heritage, the 336C features a genuine American walnut stock with a satin finish. Checkering on the fore-end and grip ensures a firm hold, even in wet conditions. The walnut stock isn’t just aesthetic—it’s durable, dense, and feels warm and solid in the hands.

2. 20-Inch Barrel

The 20″ barrel is optimized for brush hunting. It offers:

• Improved maneuverability in timber or tree stands
• Full powder burn for maximum ballistic efficiency
• Balanced feel for offhand shooting

3. Micro-Groove Rifling

Marlin’s proprietary Micro-Groove rifling offers:

• Enhanced accuracy
• Reduced barrel fouling
• Increased bullet stability

This technology contributes to consistent performance, particularly with factory loads or handloads tailored to the rifle.

4. Solid-Top, Side-Eject Receiver

Unlike top-eject lever guns, the 336C allows for straightforward scope mounting. Whether you’re using a low-power variable scope or a red dot, the solid-top design provides a stable platform for optics.

5. 6+1 Capacity and Tube Magazine

The 336C holds six rounds in the tube plus one in the chamber, more than enough for typical hunting applications. The side loading gate allows quick reloads without removing the magazine.

Performance in the Field: Brush Gun Supreme

Where the Marlin 336C .35 Rem really shines is in the thick woods, where shots are fast, close, and demanding.

Hunting Scenarios Where It Excels:

• Whitetail in Dense Timber: The .35 Remington hits harder than a .30-30 and is better suited to quartering-away shots through shoulder or rib.
• Black Bear Hunting: The extra energy and bullet mass of the .35 Remington gives confidence when hunting dangerous or heavy game.
• Wild Hog Hunting: The penetration and stopping power are ideal for boar in brush or close quarters.
• Still-Hunting or Tracking: The 336C’s compact size and fast follow-up shots make it ideal for hunters on the move.

For hunters who stalk their quarry through thick vegetation or want a quick-shouldering rifle with real punch, the 336C is hard to beat.

Iron Sights or Scope? You Choose.

The 336C comes with semi-buckhorn rear and bead front sights, which are rugged and fast for short-range shooting. However, thanks to the drilled and tapped receiver, most users opt to mount an optic.

Popular Scope Choices:

• 1-4x or 2-7x scopes: Great for close to mid-range hunting
• Red dot sights: Ideal for fast target acquisition in thick brush
• Fixed 4x scopes: Classic, simple, and effective at typical .35 Rem ranges

Whether you prefer traditional irons or modern optics, the 336C accommodates both easily.

How It Compares to Other Lever-Action Rifles

vs. Marlin 336C .30-30

• Power: .35 Rem offers more energy and deeper penetration
• Recoil: Slightly more recoil than .30-30
• Ammo Availability: .30-30 is more widely available
• Effective Range: Similar, though .35 Rem performs better on larger game

vs. Marlin 1895 in .45-70

• Weight/Recoil: The .35 Rem is much easier on the shoulder
• Versatility: .35 Rem is ideal for deer-sized game; .45-70 is better for large, dangerous animals
• Cost: .35 Remington rifles and ammo are generally less expensive

Maintenance and Durability Marlin Model 336C 35 Remington with Walnut Stock

Marlin lever actions are known for reliability and simple upkeep. The 336C is no exception.

Cleaning Tips:

1. Ensure unloaded before disassembly
2. Remove the lever screw to slide out the bolt
3. Clean the bore, chamber, and bolt with solvent and oil
4. Wipe down external surfaces to prevent rust
5. Reassemble and test the action

Thanks to the walnut stock and blued steel, the rifle also holds up well in damp or cold conditions, especially with basic care and storage.

Who Is This Rifle Best For?

The 336C .35 Rem is ideal for:

• Traditional hunters who value walnut and steel
• Brush hunters who need a maneuverable, powerful rifle
• Whitetail and bear hunters in the Northeast, Southeast, and Upper Midwest
• Collectors who appreciate classic calibers
• Reloaders looking to optimize the .35 Rem’s full potential

It’s a rifle that doesn’t scream for attention but delivers quietly, effectively, and with undeniable charm.

Ammunition Considerations Marlin Model 336C 35 Remington with Walnut Stock

The .35 Remington isn’t as ubiquitous as .30-30, but quality loads are still available from major manufacturers.

Factory Load Options:

• **200-grain

Core-Lokt (Remington)** – Proven classic

• Hornady LEVERevolution – Improved ballistic coefficient and longer range
• Buffalo Bore or Underwood – High-power loads for bear or hog

For handloaders, the .35 Rem shines. It accepts a wide range of 180-220 grain bullets, and with proper powders, you can tune loads for accuracy, recoil, or terminal performance.

Pros and Cons of the 336C .35 Remington

✅ Pros:

• Hard-hitting .35 caliber performance
• Beautiful walnut stock and traditional styling
• Compact and fast in the field
• Optics-ready design
• Excellent for big woods hunting
• Well-balanced for offhand shooting

❌ Cons: Marlin Model 336C 35 Remington with Walnut Stock

• Less ammunition availability than .30-30
• Slightly more recoil
• Not ideal for long-range shooting (200+ yards)
• Limited magazine capacity by modern standards

Power, Style, and Practicality in One Rifle

The Marlin 336C .35 Remington with Walnut Stock is more than just a nod to tradition—it’s a functional, powerful, and versatile hunting rifle that holds its own in today’s market. If you hunt where the trees grow thick and the shots are close and consequential, the 336C is a faithful partner that offers just the right amount of muscle without excess weight or recoil.

From its smooth lever action and powerful cartridge to its handsome walnut furniture, this rifle delivers the kind of experience that keeps people coming back to lever guns year after year.

Whether you’re harvesting your next buck or handing down a rifle to the next generation, the 336C in .35 Remington is a choice you’ll be proud of every time you pull it from the case.