Marlin JM Marked Model 1894 20″ .44 Mag Lever Action Rifle & Box, MFD 1979

SOLD FOR: $1,355

LSB#: 200313DE02

Make: Marlin

Model: 1894

Serial Number: 21108792

Year of Manufacture: 1979 (Subtract first two digits from 2000 or 2100 as appropriate.)

Caliber: .44 Magnum

Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “THE MARLIN FIREARMS CO. NORTH HAVEN, CONN., U.S.A. / MOD. 1894 – MICRO-GROOVE BARREL CAL. 44 REM. MAG.” and at the rear with an ovalled “JM” proof mark. The top tang is marked “21108792”.

Barrel Length: 18”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, serrated, ramped base screwed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding “U”-notch leaf and elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled to accept a scope mount (none included).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth hardwood with semi-beavertail forend, straight grip, straight comb, checkered black plastic Marlin buttplate and Marlin “bullseye” in the belly. There appears to be a small chip loss at the right-front of the forend where it meets the barrel, but given the overall condition of the stocks this is likely a factory oversight. Apart from that, the stocks have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has no notable wear or damage. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99+% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position, the rifle is equipped with a lever safety. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in a Marlin cardboard box with serial-matching label, hammer offset, and factory paperwork including manual still hanging from the lever, Marlin warning sticker on the forend, Marlin Hunter’s Pocket Guide, and even a Marlin branded “Safety Minder” tab in the trigger guard. The box has scattered storage wear and some short tears at ear-corners, in about Very Good condition.

Our Assessment: Wow! This Marlin Model 1894 looks like it just came out of a time machine. Made in 1979 and chambered for both the classic .44 Magnum cartridge, the rifle is in Excellent condition, appearing to have spent far more time in its factory packaging than out. We don’t like to use the word “unfired” for pre-owned guns, but with the manual still hanging on the lever and in such high condition, it’s entirely possible that this rifle was purchased and then just properly stored for the last 41 years! This is a great find for the Marlin fan who prefers the original Marlins to their current iteration under Remington, and a wonderful rifle from before the days of crossbolt safeties and warnings engraved on barrels. Please see our photos and good luck!

Marlin JM Marked Model 1894 20" .44 Mag Lever Action Rifle & Box, MFD 1979
Marlin JM Marked Model 1894 20″ .44 Mag Lever Action Rifle & Box, MFD 1979