NRA Gun Of The Week: Marlin Firearms Model 1895 SBL

by
posted on February 25, 2022
** 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. **

Marlin Firearms are in production again and despite some transitional hiccups behind the scenes, the first Ruger-made Marlin comes from the stable, horse and rider included, as the 1895 SBL. Watch the video above to see this newest lever-action rifle in use on the range.

gray and black laminated wood gunstock with checkering diamond and horse/rider Marlin Firearms logo

The 1895 SBL ships from Marlin Firearms with a 19” barrel made of 410-grade stainless steel. Given the fact that Marlin’s 1895 comes chambered for the .45-70 Government cartridge, each gun is equipped with a 1:20” Right-Hand twist, cold hammer-forged barrel. The forged barrel-making and rifling process leaves users with high-quality design that is capable of producing incredible accuracy.

Taking over the Marlin brand was an extraordinary feat. The powerhouse engineering firm prevailed and even took few extra steps along the way to rope in improvements, giving the classic repeater modern functionality and some extra good looks. Our test sample shipped with a gray and black, laminated wood furniture with laser-engraved checkering, recoil pad and sling swivels.

On the range with the Ruger-made Marlin Firearms 1895 SBL our testers found that the action performed flawlessly. The generous section of Picatinny rail is a handy feature from the factory and the rear adjustable sight aperture, with adjustability, blends well with the HIVIZ post front unit that contains tritium for enhanced low-light performance. It is important to note that the included Picatinny rail ranges beyond the stainless steel receiver, extending onto the barrel to allow for scout-type optic arrangements.

Man in black shirt ballcap earmuffs shooting rifle stainless steel carbine lever-action Marlin Firearms 1895 SBL

To learn more about the Marlin Firearms 1895 SBL lever-action rifle, please visit marlinfirearms.com.

Marlin Firearms Model 1895 SBL Specifications
Manufacturer: Marlin Firearms
Model: 70478
Action Type: lever-aciton, centerfire, repeating rifle
Chambering: .45-70 Gov't
Receiver: 416 stainless steel
Barrel: 19" stainless steel, 11/16" x 24 TPI
Sights: adjustable aperture rear; HIVIZ tritium post front
Stock: wood laminate; gray and black
Overall Length: 37.25"
Weight:7 lbs., 4 ozs.
MSRP: $1,399

Latest

SDS Arms MAC-5K
SDS Arms MAC-5K

Review: Military Armament Corporation MAC-5K

SDS Arms, under its Military Armament Corporation (MAC) brand, imports Turkish-made roller-delayed handguns of the H&K MP5 pattern called the MAC-5K.

8 New Revolvers for 2026

Despite the incredible array of polymer-frame, striker-fired, semi-automatic handguns on the market, the classic revolver not only refuses to die, it has seen something of a resurgence in recent years.

The Armed Citizen® May 18, 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.

8 New Semi-Auto Shotguns for 2026

For 2026, the semi-automatic shotgun market has seen even more growth, with some manufacturers expanding their current offerings and other makers entering the marketplace with novel designs.

SAAMI Celebrates 100th Anniversary

For the past 100 years, the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) has established the standards that ensure our safety when using modern shotshells, cartridges, firearms and more.

Shooting Is Fun: How I Rediscovered the Benefits of Rimfire

A recent event at Range Ready in Robert, La., reminded us how much fun the simple rimfire firearm can be, whether in handgun, carbine or rifle form.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.