NRA Gun of the Week: Marlin Firearms 1894 CSBL Rifle

by
posted on May 18, 2019
** 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. **
Lever-action rifle enthusiasts seeking an example built for the modern era, yet rugged enough to sustain hard field use, need look no further than the Marlin Firearms Model 1894 CSBL chambered for .44 Mag. and .357 Mag. Weighing in at 6.5 lbs. with an overall length of 35”, the 1894 CSBL proves a handy and capable pistol-caliber carbine, whether for trekking the back country providing camp meals or punching targets all day at the range. The rifle's polished stainless steel receiver combined with wood-laminate furniture contributes to its rugged nature, and the use of a big-loop lever makes fast-action shooting enjoyable. Ushering the rifle into the modern era is the addition of the included XS Sights Lever Rail mounted atop the receiver. To learn more, check out this week’s NRA Gun of the Week video hosted by American Rifleman's David Herman.

Specifications:
Model: 1894 CSBL
Manufacturer: Marlin Firearms
Action Type: lever-action center-fire rifle
Chambering: .357 Mag.
Receiver: stainless steel
Barrel: 16.5”, stainless steel
Stock: wood laminate
Magazine: six-round tubular
Sights: adjustable ghost ring rear, post front; XS Sights Lever Rail
Trigger: 5-lb., 4-oz. pull
Weight: 6 lbs., 9 ozs.
MSRP: $1,215

Additional Reading:
Tested: Marlin 336 Dark Lever-Action Rifle
Lever-Actions for Personal Defense
The Lever-Action Rifle: An American Classic
Video—ARTV: Marlin Firearms Today










Latest

W2042 AFF 2007
W2042 AFF 2007

A New Armed Citizen Survey That is Endlessly Fascinating—and Politically Incorrect

The 2026 National Firearms Survey conducted by William English of Georgetown University estimates that armed citizens in America use their guns 2.2 million to defend themselves or others.

Review: Heckler & Koch VP9CC

HK’s new VP9CC offers VP9 features in a micro-size pistol.

Former Barnes Bullets CEO Randy Brooks Passes Away

Randy Brooks, former president and CEO of Barnes Bullets, passed away on Aug. 27 peacefully in his Mona, Utah, home.

NRA-ILA Names Patriot Mobile Official Partner of the 2026 NRA Gun Bus Battleground Tour

America’s only Christian conservative wireless provider, Patriot Mobile, will keep the tour connected as the NRA-ILA team takes the Second Amendment fight on the road.

New Suppressors for 2026: A Full Guide

With the removal of the $200 NFA tax stamp on suppressors, the only sound reverberating across the firearms landscape is “cha-ching.”

MDT Now Offering Lone Peak Arms Rifle Actions

Earlier in 2026, MDT announced that it had acquired Lone Peak Arms, and now, the company's rifle actions are available to consumers.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.