Rifleman Q&A: Firing An Early Marlin?

by
posted on October 5, 2017
early.jpg

Q: This .44-40 Win. Marlin Model 1894 lever-action was carried in my father’s police cruiser in Hollidays Cove, W.Va., and is reported to have taken part in the pursuit and stopping of the legendary “Pretty Boy” Floyd in a corn field in East Liverpool, Ohio. Although the Marlin was not fired during Floyd’s apprehension, it was present at the scene. A letter to Marlin Firearms Corp. produced no information at all. I was interested in how old it is. A three-digit serial number, 425, is all that is stamped on the gun aside from patent dates. Interestingly, the barrel’s bore is drilled off-center. I would be pleased if you could give me any information at all as to the age of this gun or its production history. My grandsons want to buy .44-40 Win. ammunition to fire in this gun, but I have told them it is too dangerous to fire modern ammunition.

A: The Marlin Model 1894 lever-action rifle was manufactured from 1894 to 1935. Some 250,000 were eventually built. This very nice repeater was offered for the .25-20, .32-20, .38-40 and .44-40 Winchester cartridges. The earliest rifles were offered in .38-40 Win. and .44-40 Win., so that corresponds with the low serial number on your piece. Model 1894 Marlins were offered in rifle, carbine, baby carbine and musket versions. I would be circumspect about shooting modern .44-40 Win. ammunition in the piece, particularly given its historical significance. If you do intend to fire it, take it to a qualified gunsmith first for approval.    —Garry James

Latest

Taurus Deputy Rifleman Review 1
Taurus Deputy Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Taurus Deputy

Recently, Taurus USA introduced a throwback in the form of its Deputy, a single-action revolver that would be more at home during the days of the Old West than in 2025.

New For 2025: Canik Mete MC9 Prime

Based on Canik's popular Mete MC9 concealed-carry pistol, the MC9 Prime is an entirely upgraded platform that incorporates modifications requested by U.S. consumers.

Rifleman Q&A: Argentinian Auction Piece

"I purchased this .22-cal., six-shot, double-action revolver with a very good bore at auction. The barrel is 1.5" long, octagonal and engraved. Can you tell me more about it?"

The Rifleman Report: Magnificent Milestones

The last major milestone that I remember marking our nation’s founding, the 1976 bicentennial, occurred when I was a high schooler, a year before I enlisted in a nearby military academy’s Junior ROTC program.

 

NRA Partners With Specialists To Enhance Hearing Health

Start Hearing and SoundGear have partnered with the NRA to promote hearing health, safety and protection among members.

Bill Bachenberg Elected NRA President, Doug Hamlin Unanimously Reelected as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO

Today, the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), elected Bill Bachenberg of Pennsylvania as President of the NRA and Doug Hamlin as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.