The Marlin 336
The rifle's precursor was the Model 36, introduced in 1936. The Model 36 was heavier than the Winchester 94, which was then the dominant lever action hunting rifle. It also featured a semi pistol grip wooden stock (whereas at that time most of Winchesters were straight stocks), solid top receiver, and side-ejection, in contrast to the 94's top-ejection. The 36 was updated into the 336 in 1948, continuing the main differences with the Winchester.