Rifleman Q&A: Firing An Early Marlin?

by
posted on October 5, 2017
** 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. **
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

CZ 600 01
CZ 600 01

CZ 600+ Introduces Switch-Barrel Capability

In 2025, CZ USA expanded its 600 series rifle lineup with the CZ 600+, a design that delivers on the company's promise of a switch-barrel platform.

Preview: Savior Equipment Specialist Double Rifle Case

The Specialist Double Rifle Case from Savior Equipment is, as its name suggests, a rifle bag capable of carrying a pair of longarms simultaneously ...

Gun Of The Week: Traditions Outfitter G3 Pro

Join American Rifleman staff in this video to get a close look at a single-shot rifle design oriented toward today’s modern hunter, particularly those in states where straight-wall cartridges have been legalized for hunting.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 12, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.