NRA Gun of the Week: Marlin Firearms 1894 CSBL Rifle

by
posted on May 18, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Lever-action rifle enthusiasts seeking an example built for the modern era, yet rugged enough to sustain hard field use, need look no further than the Marlin Firearms Model 1894 CSBL chambered for .44 Mag. and .357 Mag. Weighing in at 6.5 lbs. with an overall length of 35”, the 1894 CSBL proves a handy and capable pistol-caliber carbine, whether for trekking the back country providing camp meals or punching targets all day at the range. The rifle's polished stainless steel receiver combined with wood-laminate furniture contributes to its rugged nature, and the use of a big-loop lever makes fast-action shooting enjoyable. Ushering the rifle into the modern era is the addition of the included XS Sights Lever Rail mounted atop the receiver. To learn more, check out this week’s NRA Gun of the Week video hosted by American Rifleman's David Herman.

Specifications:
Model: 1894 CSBL
Manufacturer: Marlin Firearms
Action Type: lever-action center-fire rifle
Chambering: .357 Mag.
Receiver: stainless steel
Barrel: 16.5”, stainless steel
Stock: wood laminate
Magazine: six-round tubular
Sights: adjustable ghost ring rear, post front; XS Sights Lever Rail
Trigger: 5-lb., 4-oz. pull
Weight: 6 lbs., 9 ozs.
MSRP: $1,215

Additional Reading:
Tested: Marlin 336 Dark Lever-Action Rifle
Lever-Actions for Personal Defense
The Lever-Action Rifle: An American Classic
Video—ARTV: Marlin Firearms Today










Latest

Henry SPD Hush
Henry SPD Hush

Review: Henry SPD Hush Rifle

The SPD Hush, Henry’s new take on the lever-action rifle, is fit for a wide array of tasks and is an ideal host for a suppressor.

New for 2026: Bergara Platinum Stalker and Cima Pro Rifles

Bergara has two new lightweight rifles to lighten the load in the field.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 2, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Taurus Celebrates 20 Years of the Judge

A custom edition celebrates two decades of Taurus' Judge revolver.

Preview: DefGrip USA Performance Firearm Grips

Holding a firearm consistently and correctly results in more hits than misses on target, and one of the easiest-to-install grip-enhancement products comes from DefGrip USA.

Review: GForce Arms GF9 Rapture

In a market filled with Glock 19 clones, the GForce Arms GF9 Rapture decided to be a Glock 26 clone instead.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.