Ruger Re-Energizing Marlin Enthusiasts

by
posted on August 11, 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 lever-action rifles left and right side quatering views

Firearm sales have cooled since the historic collision of COVID-19 and social unrest, but comments made by Ruger CEO Christopher Killoy on Aug. 4, 2022, indicate the trend is the opposite for new Marlins. When asked during the company’s quarterly investor’s teleconference, he explained, “...every call, somebody is asking, ‘Can we get more Marlins?’”

Ruger acquired Marlin in 2020 and—rather than simply restarting the machinery it inherited to hurriedly fill orders—has taken a deliberate and calculated approach to resurrecting the legendary brand. “I know there’s a lot of customers out there who want to see a higher volume of production from us, be we’re not going to sacrifice quality,” Killoy told one caller. “We had to get it right coming out of the gate.” He later reemphasized, “ . . . we’re really focused on quality, not quantity.”

Honoring the legacy of a 152-year-old legendary gunmaker is no easy task, but Ruger’s remains squarely focused on that mission while it resurrects a brand that languished under old management. The Ruger name appears nowhere on new Marlins, for example, a decision Killoy previously stated is, " . . . to maintain the Marlin brand. We’re very proud of the Marlin brand and its history.”

Even the artwork is returning from the ashes of that bankruptcy fire sale. The familiar cowboy-on-horseback logo, with lever-action rifle at the ready has returned.

Marlin’s Connecticut factory earned an enviable reputation for making guns that perform, and the craftsmen in two states building the new guns are following that tradition, according to Killoy. “The production itself of the rifles takes place down in Mayodan, N.C.,” Killoy said. “But for example, our woodworking facility in New Hampshire makes the stocks for those guns. And all of them have been focused on delivering exceptional quality.”

The Marlin 1895 SBL and the 1895 Trapper are being produced. More in the 1895 line are planned. “And later this year, you’ll likely start to see things in the 336 and 1894 family, all those are centerfire lever-action rifles, and they’re all part of our product plan going forward,” Killoy said.

Latest

Mossberg 940 Pro New Models 01
Mossberg 940 Pro New Models 01

Mossberg Introduces SPX & Professional Models To 940 Pro Tactical Line

Mossberg has expanded its popular 940 Pro Tactical shotgun line with SPX and Professional models, with each adding a slate of upgraded components and accessories designed to enhance the shotgun's capabilities.

Preview: Streamlight Sidewinder X

This high-output, multi-fuel, military-style light with a tilting head is perfect for hunters and home defenders looking for more than just a handheld light...

The Armed Citizen® July 4, 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.

A Guide To Double-Stack 1911s

The 2011 brings double-stack capacity and modular upgrades to the 1911 platform, but not every wide-body 1911 out there earns that name.

Legislators Enjoy Afternoon Of Clays With Benelli USA, Among Others

A bipartisan group of Maryland state legislators met with firearm industry manufacturers and representatives for a day of clays shooting while also attending discussions on the positive economic impacts of the shooting sports.

2025 Ammunition Product Of The Year: Winchester .21 Sharp

For continuing to innovate, particularly in a corner of the ammo world that has seen very little recently, we named the Winchester .21 Sharp as our Ammunition Product Of The Year.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.