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

001 22Tuc Cover 01 Copy
001 22Tuc Cover 01 Copy

Review: Taurus 22TUC

Taurus USA's 22TUC is a little, polymer-framed .22 pocket pistol with a tip-up barrel design that, unlike many of the company's guns, is made entirely in the United States.

Korea Coast Guard Increases KelTec KSG Tactical Shotgun Inventory

KelTec recently announced that the Korea Coast Guard has ordered more KSG shotguns to join those already in service aboard the branch's patrol vessel fleet.

Rifleman Review: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

In 2025, Mossberg added to the non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm category with its 990 Aftershock, which uses a semi-automatic operating mechanism while still maintaining a compact form factor.

Next-Gen Micro Red-Dot: The Steiner MPS 2.0

Steiner Optics has introduced the next-generation version of its Micro Pistol Sight, a red-dot optic that first hit the market in 2021.

Rifleman Interview: Banish Suppressors

The “Plinkapalooza” event in May saw a rimfire extravaganza, with hearing protection from Banish suppressors.

Hunting for the “Grail” Gun in the Modern Era

To really enjoy hunting for “that gun,” burn shoe leather instead of your mouse pad.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.