Marlin Firearms Co. 1895GS 1895-GS .45-70 Gov’t 18.5″ JM Lever Rifle, 2003
SOLD FOR: $2025
LSB#: 211003BB06
Make: Marlin
Model: 1895GS
Serial Number: 97200251
Year of Manufacture: 2003
Caliber: 45/70 Govt.
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “THE MARLIN FIREARMS CO. NORTH HAVEN, CT. U.S.A. / * * * * MOD. 1895GS CAL. 45/70 GOVT. * * * *” and is also marked with a “JM” proof at the rear. The right shoulder of the barrel is marked with Marlin’s two-line warning. The upper tang is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 18 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded brass beaded blade that is dovetailed to a serrated riser which is screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flip-up semi-buckhorn elevator sight with a U-notch leaf that is dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled in four places.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a capped forearm, straight grip, straight comb, sling stud in the belly and the forearm cap, soft black ventilated Marlin recoil pad, and Marlin “bullseye” in the belly. The wood shows extremely faint handling wear and the checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ and 12 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad and wood, respectively. The pad has hardly any wear. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some light fouling but no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are few sparse faint lines on the barrel 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 Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly. The trigger is crisp. The receiver contains a push safety that blocks the hammer from hitting the pin. The lever safety is present and functional. 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: This box comes in its original serial matching box with paperwork including a manual and a safety lock.
Our Assessment: This Marlin 1895GS is in beautiful condition with about 99% of its original finish remaining. This is chambered in the classic 45-70 Govt. caliber. As is usual with military ammunition, the .45-70 was an immediate hit among sportsmen, and the .45-70 has survived to the present day. Today, the traditional 405-grain (26.2 g) load is considered adequate for any North American big game within its range limitations, including the great bears, and it does not destroy edible meat on smaller animals such as deer due to the bullet’s low velocity. It is very good for big-game hunting in brush or heavy timber where the range is usually short. The .45-70, when loaded with the proper bullets at appropriate velocities, has been used to hunt the African “big-five.” The .45-70 has been loaded and used to hunt everything from birds to elephants and the cartridge is still undergoing new development work. The winning bidder would be privileged to bring this one home. Please see our photos and good luck!