Top-Selling Lever-Action Rifle of 2019: Marlin 1895

by
posted on March 28, 2020
** 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. **
no-one-lever-action.jpg

Introduced in 1972, Marlin’s 1895 lever action is built on the company’s rugged Model 336 receiver and employs its reliable Model 444 lever-action mechanism. The name honors of one of the firm’s earliest designs, one it produced from 1895 to 1917.

Throughout the years the 1895 has been available in three different chamberings, traditionally .450 Marlin, .444 Marlin and .45-70 Gov’t. Like many manufacturers, though, Marlin—now owned by Remington Outdoor Company—has expanded the offerings in aggressive fashion. The approach has paid off because it was the lever-action rifle that sold in the highest volume on Gunbroker.com in 2019.

It first staked a claim on that position, in recent history, in 2017. In 2016 it came close to capturing the crown when it took second and fourth in 2015.

There are 11 versions in the lineup, with stocks ranging from classic-looking wood stocks to laminates and even synthetics. Metalwork finishes range from a polished blue, to stainless and Parkerizing.

The .45-70 Gov’t chambering may be traditional in the company’s lever-action Big Bore line, but don’t overlook the Model `1895 410. It’s chambered for 2 1/2-inch .410 shotshells, the tubular magazine has a five shell capacity and barrel length is 22 inches. It comes with fiber-optic sights, American walnut stock and buckhorn sights at the rear.

There’s even a Dark model, chambered in .45-70 Gov’t with a 16 1/4-inch barrel, XS Lever Rail with Ghost Ring, Parkerized metal and paracord-wrapped lever. It’s meant for up close and personal, rugged use. Magazine capacity is five cartridges.

A model chambered in .444 Marlin is also available. The basic, traditionally styled 1895 digests .45-70 Gov’t, of course, has a 22-inch barrel, and wears an adjustable (and folding) semi-buckhorn sight to the rear. A brass bead and ramp serve as the front sight. It’s MSRP is the line’s lowest at $805.56.

The most expensive version is Model 1895SBL It chambers .45-70 Gov’t, but has a six-round tubular magazine. The black/grey laminated stock gives it a striking appearance and it’s complimented nicely by the metalwork’s stainless finish. MSRP is $1,238.94.

 

Latest

Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1
Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Taurus Expedition

Taurus entered the bolt-action rifle market with its Expedition, a Remington 700-pattern design that's built to be versatile and affordable.

New For 2025: Charter Arms Pathfinder II

Charter Arms updated one of the oldest models in its lineup with the new Pathfinder II, which features a lightweight 7075 aluminum frame, making it more well-balanced and easier to carry.

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.