Marlin Model 1894CL “Classic” .25-20 Win 21.5″ Lever Action Rifle 1988-1993
SOLD FOR: $1,075.00
LSB#: LSB260228BA005
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1894CL “Classic”
Serial Number: CL250909A
Year of Manufacture: 1988-1993
Caliber: .25-20 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with Marlin’s North Haven address, and “MODEL 1894CL “CLASSIC” – CALIBER 25-20 WIN.”, and a “JM” stamp just forward of the receiver. The right side of the barrel is marked with Marlin’s 2-line warning. The top tang is marked with the serial number. The right side of the barrel is marked with a couple of proof marks, and the bottom of the barrel is marked “CLASSIC ARMS LLC CORDOVA TN”.
Barrel Length: 21.5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding semi-buckhorn U-notch sight, on a riser, dovetailed to the barrel. The tops of the receiver is drilled and tapped for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two-piece smooth walnut stock set, with a straight grip, straight comb, checkered plastic Marlin buttplate, and a smooth capped forend. The Marlin “Bullseye” is present in the belly of the buttstock. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show light wear, with only a couple of light scratches and minor dings scattered throughout. The stock’s finish is intact throughout and the wood grain is visible and attractive. The stocks fit tightly to the frame, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good to Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some light pitting present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10. This rifle does NOT have Micro-Groove rifling.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling wear, with a few minor hairline scratches, a couple of minor dings, and minor superficial imperfections scattered throughout the metal surfaces. The bluing is deep, dark, and intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the cross-bolt 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 1894CL Classic was produced in limited numbers from the late 1980s into the early 1990s as a nod to Marlin’s earlier straight grip sporting rifles. Chambered here in .25-20 Winchester, this rifle represents a return to one of the classic small bore black powder era cartridges introduced in the 1890s for small game and varmint work. The .25-20 offered mild recoil, modest report, and surprising accuracy in both rifles and revolvers, and it remains a charming and highly collectible chambering in modern lever guns. This example features the desirable JM marked North Haven barrel, traditional straight grip stock, and solid blued steel that recalls Marlin’s earlier sporting lines.
This rifle retains approximately 98 percent of its original finish with deep, even bluing and only minor hairline handling marks visible. The walnut stocks remain tight with attractive grain and only light cosmetic impressions, and the Marlin bullseye is present. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates 9 out of 10 due to light pitting. The action cycles properly with both the cross bolt and half cock safeties functioning as intended. A handsome and increasingly sought after small bore lever gun in a historically significant chambering. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.