Marlin 1894 Cowboy Competition .38 Special 20″ Lever Action Rifle, MFD 2002
SOLD FOR: $1,975.00
LSB#: LSB251004LW002
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1894 Cowboy Competition
Serial Number: 98209915
Year of Manufacture: 2002
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “1894 COWBOY COMPETITION”, “***MODEL 1894CBC – 38 SPECIAL***”, along with Marlin’s North Haven address, and a “JM” stamp. The right side of the barrel is marked with Marlin’s 2-line warning. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, and the top of the receiver is marked with “MARLIN SAFETY”.
Barrel Length: 20″ Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is brass beaded blade, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn U-notch sight, with a white diamond aiming reference, on a riser, dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece smooth walnut stock set, with a straight grip, straight comb, checkered plastic buttplate, and a smooth capped forend. The Marlin “Bullseye” is present in the belly. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show light wear, with scratches, dings, and compressions throughout. The stock’s finish is intact throughout, and the wood grain is attractive. The stocks fit tightly to the frame, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with scattered scratches and dings throughout the metal surfaces. The bluing is deep and dark throughout. The case color is bright and vivid. There is some thinning finish on the loading gate. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as do the cross-bolt safety, lever safety, and the half-cock safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a forum letter giving information about the rifle.
Our Assessment: Marlin’s 1894 Cowboy Competition (CBC) rifles occupy a special place in the company’s late North Haven production era, built specifically for the fast-growing world of cowboy-action competition. Produced only for a short period, these rifles were tuned from the factory for smoother cycling, lighter internal friction, and faster follow-up shots, attributes highly prized by SASS competitors and lever-action enthusiasts alike. This 2002 example carries the desirable “JM” stamp, confirming manufacture before the Remington acquisition and aligning it with Marlin’s most consistent period of craftsmanship.
Chambered in .38 Special, the 1894 CBC combines soft recoil, flat shooting characteristics, and excellent controllability at speed. The 20-inch octagonal barrel provides classic styling and ideal balance, while the bright, sharply rifled bore demonstrates that this rifle remains ready for both competitive use and recreational shooting. The walnut stocks are attractive and tight-fitting, showing light but honest handling wear, and the deep blued metalwork and vivid case colors retain strong visual appeal. Light wear on the loading gate is typical for this model and does not affect function.
Mechanically, the action cycles correctly and exhibits the smoothness expected of the Cowboy Competition series. With its beautiful finish, outstanding bore, and pre-Remington pedigree, this 1894 CBC stands out as both a highly capable competition rifle and a collectible example from one of Marlin’s most desirable production runs. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – J.D.
