Marlin Firearms Co. Model 1894 25/20 24″ Lever Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,265.00
LSB#: LSB250930TS021
Make: Marlin
Model: 1894 Rifle
Serial Number: 394052
Year of Manufacture: 1906-1940
Caliber: 25/20
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. PatD Oct 11, 1887, April 2, 1889, Aug 1, 1893” The upper tang is marked “Marlin Mod 94”. The serial number is on the bottom of the receiver.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver has two holes of drilled, tapped, and filled holes. The upper tang has been drilled and tapped for a tang sight (none installed).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, carbine style steel buttplate, and capped forend. There are scattered scratches, compression dents, and finish loss. There is a small crack by the buttplate. The forend has shrunk a little and is loose. There is oil darkening around the receiver. Overall, the stocks rate in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is sharp. There is minor erosion and light pitting in the bore. There is light fouling on the lands. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 25% of its metal finish. The bluing has worn to a gray patina. There is extensive corrosion staining throughout. The rifle looks to have been cleaned with a light wire wheel at some point, judging from scratching. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a receiver-mounted cross-bolt safety. 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: This Marlin Model 1894 rifle represents an early 20th century example of the company’s solid-top lever-action design, a feature that distinguished Marlin rifles from their Winchester contemporaries and made them especially attractive to sportsmen. Produced during a long manufacturing window spanning the first decades of the 1900s, the Model 1894 became well regarded for its smooth action, strong receiver, and practical accuracy. The rifle configuration with a 24 inch barrel reflects a period preference for longer sight radius and steady offhand shooting, particularly in small-game and light varmint roles.
Chambered in .25-20 Winchester, the rifle is paired with a cartridge that was widely favored for its mild recoil, modest report, and effectiveness on small game and pests. Introduced in the late 19th century, the .25-20 became a staple for farmers and hunters who valued precision and economy over power. The bore shows sharp rifling with only minor erosion and light pitting, consistent with age and use, yet remains representative of a rifle that was cared for mechanically even as exterior wear accumulated. The retained iron sights and provision for a tang sight reinforce the rifle’s original sporting intent.
Overall, this example shows extensive exterior wear, retaining roughly 25 percent of its original blued finish, now largely worn to a gray patina with widespread corrosion staining and evidence of aggressive past cleaning. The walnut stocks show honest use with shrinkage at the forend, oil darkening around the receiver, and a small crack near the buttplate, yet remain intact and serviceable. Mechanically functional and clearly marked, this rifle stands as a well-used but authentic Marlin lever gun from the early smokeless era, offering historical character and a tangible connection to the working rifles produced by Marlin Firearms Company. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! MF
