*LIVE* 2009 Marlin 1894 .44 Rem Mag/.44 Spl Blue 20" *CLASSIC LEVER-ACTION RIFLE*

Bryant Ridge's Analysis

The Marlin Model 1894 is a lever-action repeating rifle introduced in 1894 by the Marlin Firearms Company of North Haven, Connecticut. The Marlin 1894 was originally patented on August 1, 1893, by L.L. Hepburn. With this design, Marlin simplified and strengthened the internal lever-action mechanism while continuing the practice of using a flat solid steel top receiver with side ejection. With the Model 1894, Marlin removed the rear-locking lug, which extended down into the trigger guard and had a tendency to pinch the shooter’s fingers during rapid-fire cycling. 

Other design improvements over the Model 1889 included a one-piece trigger and a two-piece firing pin to prevent the rifle from firing unless the finger lever was fully closed or if the locking lug was missing. Additionally, the finger lever lock of the Model 1889 was eliminated on the Model 1894 and replaced by a latch built into the lever itself. This model was chambered in the same calibers with the addition of the .25-20 and later .218 Bee.

The Model 1894 and its successors found particular favor in Canada, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest, where precipitation combined with cold temperatures sometimes caused top-eject designs to freeze solid. During the Klondike Gold Rush, the solid-top Marlin design was preferred by many prospectors facing subzero temperatures and dangerous animals since the solid top frame was better at keeping freezing rain, snow, and dirt out of the operating parts of the action.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Marlin

Model: 1894

Serial: 91310736

Date of Manufacture: 2009

Caliber: .44 Rem Mag / .44 Special

Finish: Blue

Barrel Length: 20"

Optics/Sights: Hooded blade front with Fold adjustable U-notch rear

Stock/Grips: American black walnut buttstock and forearm with cut checkering 

Action: Lever-Action 

Markings: Standard

Images