Marlin Model 1894 Cowboy Limited .357 Mag 24″ Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1997
SOLD FOR: $1,301.00
LSB#: LSB251112TA036
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1894 Cowboy Limited
Serial Number: 03025104
Year of Manufacture: 1997
Caliber: .357 Mag
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “1894 COWBOY LIMITED *****MODEL 1894CB – CAL.357 Mag or 38 Spl*****”, 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.
Barrel Length: 24″ Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Beach style combination, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding adjustable sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for an optic. The left side of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a receiver sight. There is a tang peep sight installed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut stock set, with a straight grip, straight comb, checkered plastic buttplate, and a smooth capped forend. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are scratches, handling marks, and compression dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. There is minor fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original metal finish. There are scratches, nicks, and handling marks throughout. There is bluing loss on leading edges. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the half-cock safety. The cross-bolt safety has been blocked (common for cowboy action Marlins), and the action is super smooth. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 1894 Cowboy Limited represents the height of North Haven production, blending nineteenth century aesthetics with late twentieth century craftsmanship. Manufactured in 1997 and bearing the sought after JM stamp, this 1894CB is configured with a full length 24 inch octagonal barrel that gives the rifle commanding presence and excellent balance. Chambered in .357 Magnum and compatible with .38 Special, it continues the American tradition of pairing revolver and rifle cartridges for versatility and economy. The barrel is correctly marked with the Cowboy Limited designation and North Haven address, while the receiver retains its factory drilled and tapped provisions and is fitted with a tang peep sight to complement the Beach style combination front sight and folding adjustable rear.
This example retains approximately 90 percent of its original blued finish, showing scattered scratches, nicks, and normal handling wear with some thinning along leading edges. The markings remain clear and legible, and the screw heads are sharp. The two piece checkered walnut stock set with straight grip and straight comb shows handling marks and compression dents consistent with use but no chips or cracks, rating Good overall. The length of pull measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the checkered plastic buttplate. The bore is semi bright with sharp rifling, no erosion, and only minor fouling, rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion.
The Model 1894 action has long been valued for its solid top receiver and smooth, dependable cycling. In .357 Magnum, a cartridge introduced in 1935 and known for its flat trajectory and manageable recoil, the extended 24 inch barrel maximizes velocity while maintaining comfortable control. The action on this rifle functions correctly, the half cock safety operates as intended, and the cross bolt safety has been blocked in a manner commonly seen among cowboy action enthusiasts who favor a more traditional manual of arms. This JM stamped Cowboy Limited stands as a strong example of Marlin’s classic lever gun lineage, offering historic styling with practical performance. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF
