Terrific ANTIQUE Marlin Model 1894 .25-20 WCF Lever Action Rifle 1896
Our Assessment: Marlin lever actions are often forgotten, especially next to the Winchesters, but they shouldn't be. Marlin was there, building great quality and reliable rifles alongside Winchester and in the glory days of American Manufacturing. Both on the frontier, and even today, many prefer the Marlin to a Winchester. This example is a terrific piece for a collection but would also still make a solid shooter, should you so choose. This gun is an important piece in firearms history in American history and will be an important piece in your collection!
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1894
Serial Number: 143157
Year of Manufacture: 1896 ANTIQUE
Caliber: .25-20M
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle w/ Full Length Mag Tube
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked "MARLIN FIRE-ARMS CO. NEW-HAVEN, CT. U.S.A. / PATENTED.OCT. 11, 1887, APRIL. 2. 1889. AUGUST 1. 1893." and "25-20 M". The top of the receiver is marked "MARLIN SAFETY". The upper tang is marked "MODEL / 1894". The bottom of the receiver is marked "143157".We did not feel confident about removing the buttstock without risk of damaging it to inspect for a matching serial number.
Barrel Length: 24" Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade dovetailed to the barrel and the rear sight is a buckhorn U-notch elevator sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with a capped forearm, straight grip, straight comb, and a crescent steel buttplate. The wood shows scattered compressions, scratches, draglines, and light scuffs. Some of these have removed portions of finish. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition as ANTIQUE.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp and deep. There is a small amount of faint erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion and for the age, the bore rates a 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is light erosion throughout the receiver and on the buttplate. There is scattered light oxidation throughout the barrel. There is light thinning on the leading edges. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine-Plus condition as ANTIQUE.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
CA LEGALITY: CA Classified ANTIQUE: Yes
RIFLE