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

Ruger Mini-14 Upgrades
Ruger Mini-14 Upgrades

5 Must-Have Ruger Mini-14 Accessories

In production since 1973, the Ruger Mini-14 has spawned a rather healthy aftermarket of parts and accessories. Here are five that you really can't live without if you're a true Mini-14 fan.

New For 2026: U.S. Palm Eye of the Storm (EOS) Suppressors

Earlier this year, U.S. Palm promised to offer its own line of firearms and suppressors. Now, its line of suppressors, the Eye of the Storm (EOS) series, is finally here.

Gun of the Week: Taylor's & Co. TC73

The Taylor's Firearms TC73 has classic lines and a classic appearance, but unlike other lever-actions, this one has a few unique features.

The Armed Citizen® June 26, 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.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Wolford v. Lopez Decision is Striking

In Wolford v. Lopez, the Supreme Court ruled that “Hawaii’s law prohibiting licensed concealed-carry permit holders from carrying handguns on private property open to the public without the property owner’s express authorization violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendments.”

The Fighting Shotgun: Myths, Legends & Facts

For a host of reasons, the Winchester Model 1897 "trench gun" probably never really made it into combat on the Western Front. But, the fact remains that Americans have always revered the shotgun as the ultimate fight-stopper.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.