The .308 Marlin Express, a cartridge designed specifically for Marlin lever-action rifles, met an untimely end. While it offered a compelling blend of power and suitability for lever-action platforms, several factors contributed to its discontinuation. This article delves into the reasons behind its demise, explores similar cartridges that might fill the void, and offers advice for current owners of firearms chambered in this once-popular round.
Why Was the .308 Marlin Express Discontinued?
The primary reason for the .308 Marlin Express's discontinuation boils down to low market demand. Despite its attractive features – including flat trajectory and potent stopping power suitable for medium-sized game – the cartridge never achieved widespread popularity. This low adoption rate made it economically unviable for ammunition manufacturers to continue production.
Several factors contributed to this lack of popularity:
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Limited Rifle Selection: The .308 Marlin Express was primarily chambered in Marlin's lever-action rifles. This limited the appeal to a niche group of shooters already invested in Marlin firearms. Compared to more ubiquitous cartridges, the .308 Marlin Express lacked broad compatibility with various rifle designs.
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High Cost: Ammunition for the .308 Marlin Express tended to be more expensive than other comparable cartridges, deterring many potential buyers. The lower volume of production directly impacted the price point.
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Existing Alternatives: Hunters and shooters already had readily available and more cost-effective options like the .30-30 Winchester and the increasingly popular .300 BLK, which offered similar performance characteristics in more widely accessible platforms.
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Marketing & Promotion: While speculation, the marketing campaign for the cartridge may not have effectively communicated its unique advantages to the broader shooting community, contributing to low adoption rates.
Finding Alternatives to the .308 Marlin Express
The discontinuation leaves owners of .308 Marlin Express rifles searching for alternatives. Fortunately, several cartridges offer comparable performance:
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.30-30 Winchester: This classic cartridge remains a popular choice for lever-action rifles, offering a well-established track record and readily available ammunition. While slightly less powerful than the .308 Marlin Express, it provides ample stopping power for most hunting applications.
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.300 Blackout (.300 BLK): This relatively new cartridge has gained considerable popularity, offering versatility in AR-15 platforms and, in some cases, adaptable to lever-action rifles with custom work. It offers similar ballistics to the .308 Marlin Express in a more common caliber.
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7.62x39mm: Commonly used in AK-pattern rifles, this cartridge offers comparable performance to the .30-30 Winchester and is also readily available and affordable.
It's crucial to consult a gunsmith or firearms expert before altering any firearm to ensure safe and legal operation.
What to Do If You Own a .308 Marlin Express Rifle
If you currently own a rifle chambered in .308 Marlin Express, you have a few options:
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Stockpile Ammunition: While production has ceased, acquiring remaining stock from various retailers might be possible. It's wise to buy in bulk if feasible to maintain an adequate supply.
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Rebarrel: You could consider having your rifle rebarreled to accept a different cartridge. This option requires professional gunsmithing and comes with associated costs. Carefully consider the cost and feasibility against the cost of purchasing a new rifle.
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Sell the Rifle: Selling your rifle to another enthusiast could be a viable option. It's wise to inform buyers upfront of the cartridge's discontinuation.
The discontinuation of the .308 Marlin Express is a case study in how market forces can affect even innovative cartridge designs. While its unique features offered advantages for specific users, the ultimate outcome highlights the importance of broad market appeal and accessibility in the firearms industry.
