Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 36-RC, Regular Carbine
Serial Number: C476
Year of Manufacture: 1946 / C&R
Caliber: .30-30 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 20"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight, none present.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with a pistol grip, straight comb, serrated hard rubber buttplate marked "RANGER", and banded forend. The Marlin "Bullseye" is present in the belly of the buttstock. There are scratches, nicks, and compressions. The stocks have been refinished. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks rate in Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Most of the finish appears original. The worn parts like the lever and bolt show signs of being wiped with cold blue. The barrel, receiver, and magtube are original.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light operational and handling wear. There is thinning on the leading edges and light intermittent oxidation. The markings are mostly clear and legible. The hammer, lever, and bolt have been touched up with cold blue. There are tool marks on the sides of the rear sight base. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the half-cock safety. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 36 was the immediate predecessor to the Model 336 and represented the postwar continuation of the square-bolt action descended from Marlin’s Model 1893. Its solid-top, side-ejecting receiver offered excellent strength and protection from debris, while the RC—or Regular Carbine—configuration paired a handy 20-inch barrel with a full-length magazine, banded forend, and pistol-grip stock. Model 36 Regular Carbines were the result of the resumption of civilian production in 1946 making this an early postwar example from the brief period immediately preceding the Model 336’s introduction in 1948.
This Model 36-RC retains about 70% of its original blue finish, with cold-blue touch-up visible on the hammer, lever, and bolt. Its refinished walnut stocks show scattered handling wear but remain free of chips and cracks, while the bright 9/10 bore has sharp rifling and no erosion. The action and half-cock safety function correctly, and its compact carbine configuration remains well suited to traditional woods hunting. With its short production window, excellent bore, and direct connection to the development of the Model 336, this is a desirable transitional Marlin that offers both collector interest and classic .30-30 utility.
