Do I order sight unseen a 336C new, or a 336w at a big box where I can observe and try out? Both are New.

You could probably find a used JM gun on armslist for less.  Or take your chances on a new gun.

Do NOT buy sight unseen. You are stupid if you do, and get what you deserve.

Do NOT listen to a JM zealot. They are stuck on early Remlin stock, and don't know what they are talking about.
Aside from the FACT that JM's were not all perfect. I have three Remlins that are great rifles, including a 336W, and a JM 30AS that isn't.

You are not likely to get a JM cheaper that a Remlin, the JM zealots have seen to that.

Go to Wal-Mart and get a 336W for $348.

IIRC, the only difference between a 336C and a 336W is the grade of the wood for the stock and forearm. Do you care about that? You probably wouldn't be asking if so. For a woods/hunting gun I would buy the cheaper 336W. Spend the rest of the money on ammo.

Maybe someone more knowledgeable about these things will be along to point out other differences between the two.

My last 336ss I bought about a month ago, it is one sweet lever action rifle, the latest ones are GTG.

Get yourself a JM. Just my opinion.

The C has deep blued receiver, the w has a satin finished blued receiver. They will look very different

i would look at a c first unless only price mattered. I hate cheep looking finishes