I found someone selling a Marlon 36 supposedly made in the 40s It was owned by an older gentleman in who's in his late 60s 70s wondering what the value is and how these rifles are in general. Is this worth picking up for the right price

any older lever action is worth picking up at the right price. Caliber? check serial # on marlin website.

Sorry it's a 30-30 and he said he wants $250

Only thing wrong with it is the rear sight needs to be fixed or replaced

If the bore is good, sounds like a keeper.  Pics say wood looks great. If the rear sight needs to be replaced, I would consider a Skinner Sight.  They are great.

 

www.skinnersights.com

A bargain at $250 if the bore is in good shape.

How would a novice like me know if the bore is good?

Please provide some tips to look for. (And thanks very much)

Oh and he said he shot it last Sunday which is why he knew the sight was off said it was shooting high and that it couldn't adjust it any further

Barrel looks straight to the eye.  No nicks, gouges, dings, or worse around the crown.  The bore is bright and shinny, little or no dark spots, a few are OK on an old rifle, but I doubt you find any.  When looking down the bore you can see the rifling and it looks even, intact and edges sharp. No rust in the chamber, or receiver area.  Bolt is smooth and intact.  If it cycles smooth and easy, I say its OK. 

 

This is an older Marlin. I doubt there is any problem with it.  History has shown they function flawlessly.  By the "patina" (worn bluing) shown in the pictures and the general condition of the wood, I would say it was used regularly and taken care of. 

 

Should be a fine keeper.

Send me the sellers number!

I'll give you him number tomorrow. Lol I'm going to check it out/ buy it tonight

Don't spoil it for me I've been looking for a decent deal for awhile now

I can't afford anymore $$$

Thanks Nick. I'll let you know.

A Marlin 30-30 with Ballard rifling? You could sell it for $350 tomorrow.

How wud I know it has Ballard rifling?

It's a 1947 if that helps

How wud I know it has Ballard rifling?

It's a 1947 if that helps

 

Micro-Groove rifling was incorporated in their centerfire rifles in the mid-fifties. Prior to that, Marlin's had Ballard-type rifling. This is 6-groove rifling, cut one groove at a time.