The guy LIED in the auction. Marlin is NOT out of business, just now owned by Ruger. They are ramping up production, and the 336 is one of the models they intend start producing when they set up the new factory. Restoring Marlin to their prior quality is one of Ruger's stated goals, as they are a non-competing product line. Ruger is strictly Bolt center fire and semi-auto rim-fire and center Fire. Marlin is lever action center and rim-fire, and rim-fire bolt action.
Liar, Liar, pants on fire!