Marlin Glenfield Model 30A 30-30 Winchester

The Marlin Glenfield 30A is a classic lever-action rifle chambered in .30-30 Winchester, produced by the Marlin Firearms Company as an affordable, store-brand variant of their popular Model 336. It's essentially a rebranded and slightly simplified version of the 336, often marketed through retailers like Sears under the Glenfield name. These rifles are highly regarded for their reliability, smooth action, and effectiveness for deer hunting in wooded areas, thanks to the flat-shooting .30-30 cartridge. Production ran from the early 1960s to 1983, making them a staple of American hunting lore.

Key Specifications

Caliber: .30-30 Winchester (a rimmed cartridge ideal for medium game up to 200 yards).

Action: Lever-action with a tubular magazine (6-round capacity in the 30A model).

Barrel: 20-inch round barrel, blued finish.

Stock: American hardwood (often birch) with pressed checkering; pistol grip and straight comb for comfortable handling.

Sights: Dovetailed brass bead front sight and adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts.

Overall Length: Approximately 38.5 inches.

Weight: Around 6.5–7 pounds (light and maneuverable).

Other Features: Hammer spur extension for easier cocking; no cross-bolt safety on pre-1983 models (a plus for purists who prefer traditional designs); side-ejection for scoped use.

Markings: Typically stamped "Glenfield Model 30A / The Marlin Firearms Co. / North Haven, Conn. U.S.A." on the barrel, with a "JM" proof mark indicating pre-2007 Marlin quality (pre-Remington ownership).

History and Production

Evolution: The Glenfield line started in 1964 as the Model 36G (a budget 336 variant). By 1966, it became the Model 30 with minor tweaks. In 1971, it upgraded to the Model 30A with the full-length magazine tube. In 1983, a cross-bolt safety was added, creating the 30AS, and the Glenfield branding ended—transitioning to straight Marlin models.

Purpose: Designed as an entry-level rifle for budget-conscious buyers, it used cost-saving features like hardwood stocks instead of walnut. Despite this, it's mechanically identical to the premium 336, with the same micro-groove rifling for accuracy.

Collectibility: Early JM-stamped models (pre-1983) are prized for their lack of the cross-bolt safety and solid build. Post-1983 versions are similar but less "vintage."

Differences from the Marlin 336

Feature

Glenfield 30A

Marlin 336

Stock

Hardwood (birch) with pressed checkering

Walnut (higher grades)

Forend

Cap-style (no barrel band)

Barrel band

Sights

Dovetailed front, simpler setup

Similar, but often upgraded

Safety

None (pre-1983) or cross-bolt (1983+)

Cross-bolt standard post-1983

Price Point

Budget-oriented ($100–200 new in era)

Premium ($200+ new in era)

Parts/Mods

Fully interchangeable

Same

The 30A is functionally a 336 clone, so aftermarket parts (e.g., M-LOK handguards, slings, or Skinner sights) fit perfectly.

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