If you want a tactical lever action, Midwest Industries is here to help. Marlin showed that we’re ready for a tactical lever action with the introduction of the Dark Series. Well, except for the price. I went shopping around and found a Marlin Dark Series for $1,599.99, which isn’t exactly pocket change. That price gets you a polymer stock and aluminum handguard with M-LOK slots. Suddenly, the idea of customizing my existing Marlin 336 made a lot more sense. Thanks to Midwest Industries, I can get all the features I want for a lot less than a brand-new rifle.
Marlin Tactical Lever Action with Midwest Industries Parts
There are two main components to this project. The first one is the Lever Stock Marlin Pistol Grip. As you can guess from the name, it’s a stock for Marlin lever action rifles. And this is the pistol grip version, as opposed to their straight version. They designed it to replace the factory wooden stock, and the pistol grip’s curve matches the lever itself. I didn’t get any of the optional G10 grip panels, but got the Lever Stock Shell Holder Plate Bundle. This allows me to carry additional rounds on the stock. It includes six Universal Shell Holders, and I already had a few, which go perfectly with this setup.
At the other end of the rifle is the Midwest Industries Marlin M-LOK Handguard. I like this better than the one Marlin uses. It’s got a lot more M-LOK slots, and appears to be much lighter. Whatever accessories you might want to mount, there’s plenty of room. You can find clear explanations of the mounting considerations on the product page. My rifle needed their Marlin 336 Hand Guard Adapter.
Midwest Industries Marlin Lever Action Stock Features & Specifications
Designed for Marlin lever action rifles with pistol grips stocks, it also works with Rossi R95 rifles of a similar design. Midwest Industries manufactures these from 6061 aluminum with a hardcoat anodized finish. The design includes plastic grip panels (there are G10 upgrade options) and a nice rubber butt pad that minimizes felt recoil. There’s a polymer cheek riser that is height-adjustable. At its lowest setting, it’s the same height as the OEM stock, yet it’s adjustable for optics and scopes.
At a pound and a half, it doesn’t add any weight compared to the factory stock. Well, until I added the Shell Holder Plate and ammo. But there’s no weight penalty otherwise. It also provides the same length of pull as the original stock, but spacer plates are available. There are four QD sockets – one on each side, one in the base of the grip, and another just forward of the butt pad. You’ll need to remove the rear swivel stud to use the last socket. Midwest Industries provides a lifetime warranty and manufactures it 100% in America, as expected.
Installation of the Midwest Industries Marlin Lever Action Stock
After verifying that my rifle was not loaded, I found this to be one of the easiest aftermarket stock installs ever. I unscrewed the factory stock attachment screw, pulled the wooden stock off, and set it aside. Then I slipped on the Midwest Industries stock and tightened the screw. Done! Did I have a tactical lever action rifle now? Not yet, it needs even more M-LOK.
Since I was already working on this end of the rifle, I took a few minutes to add the Shell Holder Plate. This mix of aluminum and polymer allows me to carry an extra dozen rounds of .30-30 on the stock itself. It attaches to the M-LOK slots on the stock, and it’s really solid, even when loaded with ammo.
Midwest Industries Marlin M-LOK Handguard Features & Specifications
With seven rows of M-LOK slots which each contains eight slots, there are plenty of options for lights, lasers, handstops, bipods, and spare shell holders. Midwest Industries even includes a 5-slot rail section in case you have a Picatinny mount accessory. There’s a single sling swivel on the underside to match the one on the stock. If you’re planning on using a QD-style sling, just add an M-LOK mount socket wherever you want.
Midwest Industries makes the handguard, like the stock, from 6061 aluminum with a hardcoat finish. That keeps the weight down to just 6 ounces, which isn’t bad for a 13.625-inch handguard. Its width of 1.640 inches gives it a sleek look and feel. This product is also made in America and carries the same lifetime warranty.
Installing the Midwest Industries Marlin M-LOK Handguard
Although you can install this at home with minimal skills and basic tools, Midwest Industries suggests having a gunsmith do it. So, before ordering, read the Marlin Handguard Installation Instructions here. I tackled it on my own, and it wasn’t difficult; it just requires a little patience. Also, I had to use the adapter, which required following the Marlin Handguard Adaptor Install Instructions. My rifle was still unloaded, but I checked again anyway. After removing the front sight, front band, and factory forend, I installed the handguard adapter. Then I wrestled the front band back into place.
There’s a notch in the magazine tube and barrel that must be aligned for the adapter screw to be installed. A little VibraTite should be used here before torquing to 35 in/lbs. Getting the handguard aligned with the adapter took a bit of patience as well, but it’s just two more screws at 20 in/lbs to hold it in place. The final step is to tighten the rear set screw on the underside until it contacts the magazine tube. No torque, just contact.
Range Time with the Tactical Lever Action
As much as I liked shooting this rifle with the wood furniture, the current setup is more fun. Besides the ergonomics of the adjustable cheekrest, I like the handguard better than the cheap feel of the factory wood. Both friends and strangers asked to handle the rifle, which attracted a lot of attention. The consensus seems to be that it looks great and feels solid.
Does it shoot any better? That’s debatable. But I can add a light or even an offset reflex sight to give it a little extra utility. If you check the price list at the end of this article, you’ll find this option is budget-friendly compared to the Dark Series, even with used base rifles around $600, where I live.
Additional Accessories for Your Marlin Tactical Lever Action
Midwest Industries also offers an excellent Ghost Ring Rail to complete your tactical lever action build. As much as I wanted to install it, I already had the extra-long XS Sights Lever Rail. This was originally installed to use their Ghost Ring sights. But I added an inexpensive Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout scope. I’m still undecided on whether to stick with a scope or go back to irons after shooting a bit.
As always, I’d like to thank Midwest Industries for providing their Marlin Lever Action accessories for my testing and evaluation. Their American-made parts and accessories are excellent upgrades for any firearm, especially this Marlin tactical lever action project. Check them out at midwestindustriesinc.com.
Stock $269.95
Handguard $188.95
Adaptor $47.95
Shell Holder Plate $59.95