Top-Selling Lever-Action Rifle of 2019: Marlin 1895

Introduced in 1972, Marlin’s 1895 lever action is built on the company’s rugged Model 336 receiver and employs its reliable Model 444 lever-action mechanism. The name honors of one of the firm’s earliest designs, one it produced from 1895 to 1917.

Throughout the years the 1895 has been available in three different chamberings, traditionally .450 Marlin, .444 Marlin and .45-70 Gov’t. Like many manufacturers, though, Marlin—now owned by Remington Outdoor Company—has expanded the offerings in aggressive fashion. The approach has paid off because it was the lever-action rifle that sold in the highest volume on Gunbroker.com in 2019.

It first staked a claim on that position, in recent history, in 2017. In 2016 it came close to capturing the crown when it took second and fourth in 2015.

There are 11 versions in the lineup, with stocks ranging from classic-looking wood stocks to laminates and even synthetics. Metalwork finishes range from a polished blue, to stainless and Parkerizing.

The .45-70 Gov’t chambering may be traditional in the company’s lever-action Big Bore line, but don’t overlook the Model `1895 410. It’s chambered for 2 1/2-inch .410 shotshells, the tubular magazine has a five shell capacity and barrel length is 22 inches. It comes with fiber-optic sights, American walnut stock and buckhorn sights at the rear.

There’s even a Dark model, chambered in .45-70 Gov’t with a 16 1/4-inch barrel, XS Lever Rail with Ghost Ring, Parkerized metal and paracord-wrapped lever. It’s meant for up close and personal, rugged use. Magazine capacity is five cartridges.

A model chambered in .444 Marlin is also available. The basic, traditionally styled 1895 digests .45-70 Gov’t, of course, has a 22-inch barrel, and wears an adjustable (and folding) semi-buckhorn sight to the rear. A brass bead and ramp serve as the front sight. It’s MSRP is the line’s lowest at $805.56.

The most expensive version is Model 1895SBL It chambers .45-70 Gov’t, but has a six-round tubular magazine. The black/grey laminated stock gives it a striking appearance and it’s complimented nicely by the metalwork’s stainless finish. MSRP is $1,238.94.