What is significance of "JM" Stamped on Marlin 30-30 Barrels?

[Sidewinder]

We all see Marlin 30-30s advertised as "JM" models, but what does that mean? I did some research and what I found out surprised me. It doesn't necessarily mean what you think it means. In-stock barrels were used after the Remington change. Before paying more for a "JM" stamped barrel, you might want to research the situation.

[Cherokee Slim]

It means that it is a Marlin made barrel, as opposed to no marking or "REM" indicating a Remington made barrel.  Newer barrels are made by Remington so the JM also means that it's an older gun.  You can find more information on a specific gun on the Marlin Forum.

 

http://www.marlinowners.com/index.php

 

Cherokee Slim

[Garufa]

JM means John Marlin and designates true Marlins made before Remington got there hands on the company.  There were in-stock barrels for a brief period after the transition that have no proof marks, then the dreaded REM started.

[Oh Shoot]

JM means John Marlin and designates true Marlins made before Remington got there hands on the company.  There were in-stock barrels for a brief period after the transition that have no proof marks, then the dreaded REM started.

 

Speaking of all calibers and models, there are also JM stamped barrels on various rifles well after the Remington buy out, even apparently some from plants after the move -- and there are lots of REP/REM/RE barrels on firearms that were still produced from the North Haven plant before the move. I have one of those, a model 60, a  true "Remlin", with North Haven CT on the barrel, but stamped "RE"

 

It seems some were stamped when manufactured but some were only stamped upon completion of the rifle, really kind of mess. And nobody I don't think has figured out the relevance of the three different Remington stampings, if indeed there is one.

 

So really, the only way to know for sure you have a complete "Marlin" is to get one before the Remington purchase in 12/2007. But fit and finish quality, at least of the lever guns, was already suffering somewhat before that.

 

- OS

Edited August 4, 2015 by Oh Shoot

[dats82]

It's kind of like a "24K" stamp in a gold bar... It's what you want. 

[Oh Shoot]

It's kind of like a "24K" stamp in a gold bar... It's what you want. 

 

Again, not necessarily the acid test between Marlin and Remlin. There are plenty of rifles made after Remmy took over with JM stamps. And even some from the Ilion/Mayfield plants after they moved.

 

- OS

Edited August 5, 2015 by Oh Shoot

[1madss]

Look for the SN# on still on the tang and not on the left side of the receiver.

[Oh Shoot]

Look for the SN# on still on the tang and not on the left side of the receiver.

 

Seems as far as a 336, need ALL of these to be sure:

 

- Serial number DOES NOT begin with 92, 91, 90, or MR.
- Serial number stamped on tang – The Marlin 336 beginning in 1948 and continuing through 2007 have a serial number stamped on the tang where the receiver attaches to the stock. The older models have the serial number stamped on the tang under the lever.
- Made in New Haven, CT. stamped on left side of barrel.
- Proof mark “JM” stamped in barrel where it meets receiver.

 

Things get wackier with other models though, especially the 60.

 

- OS

Edited August 5, 2015 by Oh Shoot