Marlin Firearms Co. Custom 1894S 1894-S .45 ACP 16″ Lever Rifle, MFD 1997

SOLD FOR: $1825.01

LSB#: 210806MP20

Make: Marlin

Model: 1894S Customized

Serial Number: 03053223

Year of Manufacture: 1997

Caliber: Customized for .45 ACP

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine

Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked ““THE MARLIN LIMITED””, “THE MARLIN FIREARMS CO. NORTH HAVEN, CT, U.S.A. / * * * * * MODEL 1894S-CAL. 45 ACP * * * * *” and at the rear with a circled “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 “45C”.

Barrel Length: 16”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade on a serrated riser that is screwed to the top of the barrel. The riser is slotted for a hood that is not present. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn U-notch elevator sight that is dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped in four places for mounting a scope (not included).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, raised checker brown Marlin buttpad, sling stud in the belly and bottom of the forearm cap, and Marlin “bullseye” in the belly. The forearm has some light scuffs at the front and rear. The buttstock also has some light scuffs and marks that are most notable around the Marlin bullseye. The checkering has a few minor interruptions but is generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad, which shows some light wear around the edges. Overall, the stocks rate in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is shallow yet well defined. There is erosion midway that may prove to just be some stubborn fouling after a thorough cleaning.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is some scattered faint erosion on the barrel, mag tube, receiver, and lever. It is most notable at the front of the barrel and mag tube as well as the lever. There is some faint thinning at some of the leading edges. The action shows faint operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about 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. The follower has been customized to look like the rear face of a 45 ACP round. Note, there is no round stuck in the magazine tube. 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 is particularly cool, as it has been customized to shoot .45 ACP rounds. It is in Fine overall condition and will make a very happy owner of the winning bidder! Please see our photos and good luck!

Marlin Firearms Co. Custom 1894S 1894-S .45 ACP 16" Lever Rifle, MFD 1997
Marlin Firearms Co. Custom 1894S 1894-S .45 ACP 16″ Lever Rifle, MFD 1997