Can a classic be improved? Literature buffs and car enthusiasts will likely argue no; there is no such thing as a better Moby Dick or finer ’67 Corvette. A classic is appreciated for what it is, and any changes to its form or function detract from the original. That may be true for novels and hot rods. Hunters, however, can now point to at least one example where a new version of a classic firearm has, indeed, improved upon its predecessor. The Marlin Model 336 Classic, manufactured by Ruger, remains true to the lines of the legendary lever gun but includes refinements that increase both quality and performance.
Before we take a look at the 336 Classic’s features, it’s
