Glenfield's backstory
Marlin dates to 1870 and is one of America's iconic and best-known firearms makers. Before its acquisition by the Freedom Group in 2007, Marlin had several subsidiary brands under its umbrella. These included legacy firearms makers that it had purchased over the years, such as Harrington & Richardson, Hunter Arms, L.C. Smith, and New England Firearms. Other brands, on the other hand, Marlin invented from whole cloth, such as the Glenfield Products Division, an idea of then-company CEO Roger Kenna, who led Marlin from 1948 through 1959.
Hitting the scenes at a time when big box catalog sales were the Amazon of its day, Glenfield became a staple for outfits like Sears and J.C. Penney, back when they sold guns and every house on the block had one or more of their catalogs on the living room table.
The original Glenfield models were based on Marlin's standard catalog but offered in a more affordable package with fewer options. For instance, the Marlin Model 60, a popular semi-auto .22, was sold as the Glenfield Model 60, with a plainer stock that featured an engraved squirrel logo. Likewise, the Marlin 336 was also marketed as the Glenfield Model 30 with non-specified hardwood furniture rather than the walnut seen on the Marlin, and with minor style differences. The concept proved popular with consumers, who got a good firearm at a great price.
Glenfield cruised along into the mid-1980s and was then quietly put to bed, but the rifles and shotguns made under the banner continue to circulate and have a soft spot with nostalgia-minded collectors. As an aside, my first sporting rifle that I purchased over the counter, looking back some four decades ago, was a Model 30A in .30-30.
With Ruger acquiring Marlin in 2020, resurrection was in the cards.
"We’re excited to bring back the iconic Glenfield Firearms brand with a new product that reflects Ruger’s dedication to manufacturing affordable, American-made firearms for any and every hunter," said Ruger President and CEO, Todd Seyfert, at the brand's relaunch.
The Model A Rifle: Familiar Newcomer
Glenfield's inaugural 21st-century platform is the no-frills Model A bolt-action centerfire sporting rifle, which is "highly inspired by" the Gen I Ruger American Rifle. Ruger introduced that platform almost 15 years ago, and it has been well-vetted by America's hunters, with over 2 million sold since then.
The company tells us that the Glenfield Model A carries forward the most valued elements of the Gen I Ruger American Rifle but has an MSRP about $100 below comparable Ruger-branded rifles – all without skimping on features.
"The Model A is a practical, reliable rifle built for hunters of all experience levels, and we’re proud to bring it to market under the Glenfield name," said Seyfert.
Features
The Model A will be offered first in seven popular hunting calibers: .243 Win, .270 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, .30-06 Springfield, .350 Legend, and .450 Bushmaster.
Specs (Model A in .308 Win, as reviewed)
- Model Number: 52001
- Caliber: 308 Win
- Capacity: 4
- Stock: Moss Green Splatter
- Metal Finish: matte black
- Barrel Length: 20 inches
- Overall Length: 40 inches
- Magazine Type: Flush-fit four-round multi-caliber
- Sights: None – scope base installed
- Weight: 6.3 pounds, base
- Length of Pull: 13.75 inches
- Muzzle Thread Pattern: 5/8x24 TPI
- Grooves: 5
- Rifle twist: 1-to-10-inch RH
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Suggested Retail: $499, compared to the Ruger American Gen I at $599
Our thoughts
We've loved watching Ruger reboot Marlin over the past few years with style, and it is great to see the company turn its efforts to the old Glenfield banner. Plus, this can't be dismissed as a marketing gimmick, as the Model A is a much better platform than the Ruger American Rifle was when it was introduced in 2011. In some ways, such as the splatter-finished stock, handier shorter barrels, and threaded muzzles, it has better features than the current Gen I offer of that rifle, all while being $100 cheaper. Plus, there is a decent choice of caliber options and a legacy of millions of related rifles in circulation.
And it’s all still backed by Ruger.
We've begun field testing on the Model A with several loads and will update this piece with accuracy data and concluding thoughts in the coming weeks. Until then, we are excited to see the Glenfield brand return to store shelves.
