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

Icarry S&W 386 Night Guard 1
Icarry S&W 386 Night Guard 1

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 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.

Saltstone Integrator Rifle Carry System & Modular Hunting Vest: The Cure for The Common Sling

Among a hunter’s most basic equipment is their sling. The Saltstone Integrator Rifle Carry System and Modular Hunting Vest seeks to revolutionize this.

Interview: ATF Director Cekada on Suppressors

ATF Director Cekada explains the ATF's guidance (and potential legal pitfalls) of buying suppressors.

Steyr Goes LTT: The Langdon Tactical ATD

Langdon Tactical Technology is in the business of fine-tuning a number of popular handguns on the market, and the company's latest offering is based on the recently introduced Steyr Arms ATD.

Smith & Wesson Acquires Savage Arms

In a stock and cash transaction valued at $160 million, Smith & Wesson announced it has acquired Savage Arms.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.