Marlin 336 Dark ($1,429)

We’ll let you in on a little secret that not everyone knows — Ruger owns Marlin and, as such, manufactures this sweet little lever gun under the Marlin brand. Chambered in 30-30, this 6.9 lbs. brush gun turned tactician will accept any accruement you typically affix to your night fighting AR15. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should, however. We’d like to think the 336 Dark is appealing as a crossover gun to bring those of us who are ardent defenders of America’s Rifle over to a more historic gun without frightening them off with a bit of Walnut.

The stock is constructed of nylon-reinforced polymer with three MLOK attachment slots cut into the center with plenty of relief around the slots to create useable space. Tucked up beneath the comb of the stock is a pair of QD sling cups that are very well positioned without getting in the way. The comb offers a nice slope ideal for use with an optic mounted to its receiver-mounted Picatinny rail section, which is willing to accommodate micro and macro-sized red dot sights and low- and high-power variables. The texturing, size, and shape of the firing hand grip are ideal for those with man-sized hands, while the MLOK forend is nice and skinny, allowing for a firm pull into the shoulder. At first glance, this lever gun may raise an eyebrow or two or maybe even induce an eye roll from purists. Nevertheless, it is a very well-thought-out and extremely functional field gun with features and benefits that cannot currently be done with wood. See it at your dealer, or for more information, contact Marlin Firearms; Tel.: (336) 949-5200; Web: www.marlinfirearms.com