I'm smiling. I'm usually found behind a Bolt Gun or a single shot - I love the TC Contender and Encore. However, I'm a sucker for [beautiful] lever rifles. A few years ago - I was forced to admit that I "collect" lever actions - when I had to dedicate a safe to them ...
I've got the [prerequisite] model 71 (in 348 Win of course - 'cause that's all they were ever made in). And a BLR (circa 1988) in 358 Win. Both of these are primarily for timber-hunting elk - especially in big-bear country.
Also have a pre-64 Win in 30-30. A couple 44 mag Marlins of mid-70:s vintage. A 357 mag marlin ... etc, etc, ...
I like the 44 mag levers for bear hunting. It really knocks black bears down hard. I've taken deer with the 44, 357 and 30-30 thru the yrs also (not going to mention deer hunting with a 94-22 in my younger days
). I just love lever actions - there's always 1 ... or 2 ... in my hunting camp(s).
Anyways - a week ago I was at a show and ran into a beautiful near-mint original lever that I hadn't seen before. It turned out to be a Marlin 336 (circa 1948) in 32 Win Special. (I need another cartridge like I need a hole-in-my-head
). I had to buy it - signed paperwork (thank you kommiefornia) and will pick it up in a week or 2 - when I have time.
So ... I found the mechanism of the 336 to be very unique. I'll have a bit more learning to do with it. Of course, I'll have to order dies - it came with 4 boxes of casings. The owner recommended casting my own bullets for it. I haven't done that before, but I have a good lead pot, so with molds from lymans, that should work.
When I saw yours, i was like "I think I know what that is!!" ... I can't wait to play with mine.