Editor’s Choice: Marlin 1894 Dark

by
posted on May 4, 2020
** 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. **
marlindar.jpg

Marlin launched its blacked-out Dark series of lever-action rifles in 2019 to great success, helping to spearhead this year’s tactical lever gun trend.

Inaugural offerings included a .30-30 Win.-chambered Model 336 and a .45-70 Gov’t-chambered Model 1895, and for 2020 the Ilion-based manufacturer has added a pair of Model 1894s to the line.

Chambered to fire either .357 Mag./.38 Spl. or .44 Mag./.44 Spl., the new Dark 1894s measure a compact 34" long with a handy 16.25" threaded barrel.

Other practical features include a matte-black Parkerized metal finish, a painted and textured wood laminate pistol-grip stock and fore-end, an 11" Lever Rail Ghost Ring WS from XS Sights that accommodates virtually all sighting options, a comfortable paracord-wrapped big-loop lever and a black paracord sling.

With tubular magazines that extend nearly all the way to the muzzle, the two Marlin 1894 Dark models both share a capacity of eight-plus-one rounds. For more information on this new offering, visit
marlinfirearms.com.

Latest

Springfield SA 35 4 01
Springfield SA 35 4 01

A New Compact High Power: Springfield Armory's SA-35 4"

Just as the slide and barrel of a full-size 1911 is sometimes shortened to make it more concealable, Springfield Armory is taking its SA-35 pistol and offering it with a shortened 4-inch barrel. 

Mob Defense: How to Stay Safe from a Crowd

Imagine yourself alone or with your family or a small group where you suddenly find yourself in a situation where a mob starts forming up around you and appears hostile. What are some recommended courses of action you can take?

Firearm and Ammo Sales Soaring in Virginia

Ahead of Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger's anticipated signing of a slate of gun-control bills, firearm and ammunition sales are soaring in the Old Dominion.

Review: Ruger Harrier

Ruger’s new Harrier AR-15-style rifle proves to be a great entry-level, multi-purpose carbine.

New For 2026: Canik Mete MC9 Prime Radian

Building on the company's initial Mete MC9 Prime design, Canik added a Radian Weapons Afterburner compensator and Ramjet barrel to create the new MC9 Prime Radian.

The Armed Citizen® April 6, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.