Marlin Model 1894: One of 2019's Top-Selling Lever Guns

by
posted on May 19, 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. **
no-2-lever-action.jpg

Marlin’s 1894 was the second-most-popular lever-action rifle in sales through the services of Gunbroker.com in 2019. The carbine is a classic—having been introduced in 1894 chambered for several revolver cartridges—and like nearly every gun with staying power on the top-performers list, options have expanded through the years.

The rifle was designed and patented by L.L. Hepburn in 1893 while he worked for Marlin. The firearm features side ejection and a tubular magazine.

In 2018 the company shook things up when it introduced two new versions—the CBSL and CST—at the SHOT Show. Both are chambered in .357 Mag./.38 Spl. and their tubular magazines have an eight-round capacity. They feature stainless steel receivers and 16 1/2-inch barrels. The CST’s, however, is threaded for muzzle devices and it ships with a thread protector.

Cosmetically, though, they are every different. The 1894 CBSL, which has an MSRP of $1,214.64, comes with an XS Lever Rail with ghost ring sights. Its stock is a striking gray laminate.

The CTS, which retails for $1,223.24, features a painted hardwood stock and XS Ghost Ring sights. Both guns, however, wear the company’s Wild-West Guns-style big loop and there’s even a .44 Mag. version with cosmetics identical to the CBSL (Model 1894 SBL).

They are a big departure from Marlin’s traditional American walnut furniture, although there’s no denying that timeless style remains a popular choice. Marlin offers the look in .357 Mag./.38 Spl., .44 Mag. and .45 Colt.

Octagonal barrels, stainless or blued metalwork, folding buckhorn sights (in a limited edition available now) and different wood finishes provide a variety of options in factory-fresh 1894 models.

Not all Marlin’s line remains cosmetically true to the Hepburn’s design, but that’s likely one of the primary reasons the rifle is popular to this day. The looks and features may change, but the gun has a history of reliability, performance and the kind of longevity enthusiasts deserve.

Latest

Star Model B Ihtog 1
Star Model B Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

New For 2025: Kimber Next Generation 1911

For its latest M1911 offering, Kimber Mfg. borrowed design elements from its double-stack 2K11 pistol to create what it calls the Next Generation 1911.

Review: Charter Arms Double Dog

Charter Arms is an American gunmaker that has offered its own versions of compact, double-action revolvers at fair prices for more than 60 years.

Rifleman Q&A: Mysterious “Broomhandle” Bring-Back

"My favorite gun is inoperable, so I have not shot it. It is one of two weapons that my dad brought back from the Philippines after World War II, the other being a sword."

New Jersey Town Supports CCW With Fee Refund

The city of Englishtown, N.J., recently made a move to reduce that financial barrier, sparking widespread optimism that a statewide, even nationwide, trend may be on the horizon.

Review: Savage Arms Revel

Lever-action rifles have experienced a revival in recent years, and Savage Arms is getting in on the act with its Revel series rimfires. To understand it, you may have to read (backward) between the lines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.