Marlin Firearms Co. 1895GS 1895-GS .45-70 Gov’t 18.5″ JM Lever Rifle, 2002
SOLD FOR: $1600.99
LSB#: 220106JK004
Make: Marlin
Model: 1895GS
Serial Number: 98038622A
Year of Manufacture: 2002
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 an aftermarket orange FO beaded blade dovetailed atop a serrated ramped riser that is screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch with two green FO dots that is adjustable for windage and elevation dovetailed to the rear of 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, Uncle Mike’s sling swivel in the belly and the forearm cap with an attached padded mossy oak canvas sling, soft black Limb Saver recoil pad, and Marlin “bullseye” in the belly. The wood appears to have been refinished at some point. The only minor imperfection worth noting is a faint dragline on the right side of the buttstock. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ and 12 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad and wood, respectively. The pad has some residue along the edges and remains soft. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine-Excellent condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Stainless
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some light fouling near the muzzle but no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a few faint scratches on the top of the barrel and a couple small spots of lacquer from the refinish. The receiver has some infrequently scattered faint nicks and scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly. The trigger is crisp. The push safety has been removed and the holes are filled by screws. 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: The previously mentioned sling and an installed hammer spur are included.
Our Assessment: This Marlin 1895GS is in beautiful condition with about 98% 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!