Marlin Firearms Co. Custom 1894S 1894-S 44-40 Winchester Lever Action Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1000.01
LSB#: 210710GS06
Make: Marlin
Model: Custom 1894S
Serial Number: 4440047
Year of Manufacture: 1969-1984
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “THE MARLIN FIREARMS CO. NORTH HAVEN, CT, U.S.A. / MOD. 1894S MICRO-GROOVE BARREL CAL. 44-40 WIN.” and at the rear with a “JM” proof. The right shoulder of the barrel is marked with Marlin’s two-line warning. The upper tang is marked with the serial number. The top of the bolt is marked “44/45”.
Barrel Length: Cut to 17 3/8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade on a serrated riser that is screwed to the top of the barrel and is slotted for a hood (not included). The rear sight is a flip-up semi-buckhorn elevator sight with a U-notch that is dovetailed to the barrel. The upper tang is equipped with a Marbles peep aperture sight that is elevation adjustable. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled in four places.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forearm, straight grip, straight comb, checkered brown firm rubber Marlin buttpad, and Marlin “bullseye” in the belly. There is a sling stud in the front and rear. There are infrequently scattered small compressions, minor nicks, and faint draglines. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad shows some light wear. Overall, the stocks rate in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is shallow yet well defined. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are a couple of small minor scratches on the receiver. There are notable mars and losses in the front of the lever. There are scattered light nicks and scratches, some of the more notable are at the front of the barrel. There is some light oxidation on the lever and sides of the receiver. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly. The lever safety is present and functions properly. The receiver also contains a push safety that blocks the hammer from hitting the pin. The hammer has a half cock safety position. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Marlin 1894 is one of the stronger lever-action designs ever produced, it has been in production, with very few changes, for over a century, now. The action is robust, dependable, and remarkably easy to disassemble and clean. As a field rifle, it is handy to pair this light and easy to use carbine with a similarly chambered revolver. Cowboy Action Shooters have embraced this design, as well. This example has been equipped with a large loop lever and the barrel has been custom cut to 17 3/8”. This is a nifty little rifle, and will make a very happy owner of the winning bidder! Please see our photos and good luck!