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

Chuck Yeager’s Beretta Model 1935 pistol
Chuck Yeager’s Beretta Model 1935 pistol

Take a Safe Queen to the Range

With few exceptions, there’s no reason not to shoot your classic firearm periodically.

9 New 1911s & 2011s for 2026

There is a host of new 1911s and 2011s available to today's handgun enthusiasts, with each design bringing a unique feature set to the table.

Wyoming Breaks Ground on State Shooting Sports Complex

Wyoming state officials were on hand at the groundbreaking ceremony for the state's new shooting complex, which is expected to open in mid-2027.

Beretta Holding and Ruger Agree to Partnership

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. and Beretta Holding S.A. have announced that both companies are entering into a strategic cooperation agreement.

Return of the Encore: T/C Arms Brings Back Its Iconic Single-Shot

In 2024, former owner Gregg Ritz purchased Thompson/Center Arms. Now the company has introduced a modern take on its classic Contender/Encore concept: the ENCORE PROHunter.

7 New ARs for 2026

While it's certainly a saturated marketplace these days, the AR-15 has never been more popular with American firearm enthusiasts, and many manufacturers are continuing to feed the need with new options loaded with new features.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.