338 Marlin Express

338 MX Blue/Walnut 22'' Barrel TRADE see additional info Sorry so long winded. Pic when I find camera.. I bought this new in 2008 before all the Marlin problems happened. JM stamp of course, and is a beautifully made rifle. The trigger has been worked over and the crown is cut to the typical 11* rather than the round hunter's cut. This way any minor defects are easily seen. The barrel is well broken in and was properly done so it barely fouls anymore. Just powder residue. The stupid deer spooking cross block safety is locked in the fire position, but by the turn of a set screw it will go free for those that are crazy. The black walnut stock actually has some contrast and color like they used to. Accurate as hell! Many times I have fired 1 1/2'' groups from the bench at 200 yards with Hornady ammo. That's right 200 300 is totally doable on small Remington 250gr load it don't like at all with 6'' @ 100 but is a good option for up close or stuff that bites back within 50 yards where it's still stabilized. I shot through a decent hog nearly front to back through the shield with one. It's probably still flying. Who wouldn't want one of these? Now, why would I sell such a great rifle? So I can get another due to lack of suitable reloading components. Most all 338 bullets are for the 338 Win Mag. This caliber is scarce, and the 338 Federal will take longer bullets for the 338 Mag and is still kinda exotic itself. There are one or two flat point HCGC cast bullets out there, but cheap practice stuff is not made. No one in my area stocks LeverEvolution powder or FTX bullets and ordering that is robbery. Great rifle but I'm finished playing with it. Being that these are extinct it seems (I have never actually seen another one) I'll let somebody else enjoy it. If the Remlin company would make some I think they would outsell the almost-as-rare 444 Marlin and the 1894C they don't make either. Plenty of new 30/30's available, but I'm terribly board with them. If you are looking for one rifle to cover all your needs from varmints out to 350 or so ( recoil is less than a 30/06 I think), deer elk or anything that walks this continent can be taken cleanly with the 338ME. Plenty for most African game as well and easy to carry. Ammo is in stock at all the major retailers and no one has one to take your ammo before you get it. $35 a box for Hornady 200gr FTX is fair for these days prices especially considering it's very high match grade quality . I have the brass from all the 200 or so times I fired it. It will have a Leupold base on it, and for the right price a Leupold VX2 or VX3 can come on it already sighted in. Sorry so long I tend to do that. Ask all the questions you like. Pic coming once I find the camera. My cell pics suck, but ask if you want them. Nothing about it worth taking pic of really.