Marlin Model 1894 32-20 WCF 24″ Octagon Lever Action Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,476.00

LSB#: LSB260512MG002

Make: Marlin

Model:  1894

Serial Number: 201700

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1894-1905 C&R

Caliber: 32-20 WCF

Action Type: Lever action, centerfire rifle, fed from tubular magazine.

Barrel Length: 24″ Octagon

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver blade that has been dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf semi buckhorn U notch with elevator dovetailed into the barrel. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight. One of the plug screws is missing. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and crescent steel buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/4″ from trigger to buttplate. The stock has been refinished. There are light scratches and compression dents throughout. There is a repair on the right side of the forend. There are no structural cracks. Overall this stock is in Good to Very Good condition as refinished. 

Type of Finish:  Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its current metal finish. This rifle has been buffed to a high gloss. The markings have been softened from polishing. There is light handling and operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. 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 is one of the company’s most successful lever-action sporting rifles, renowned for its solid-top receiver, smooth action, and compact handling. This early example is chambered in .32-20 W.C.F. and features a desirable 24″ octagon barrel, full-length tubular magazine, straight-grip walnut stocks, and crescent steel buttplate. While refinished, it retains the classic configuration that made the Model 1894 a favorite among hunters and sportsmen at the turn of the 20th century.

Introduced in 1894, the Marlin Model 1894 represented a refinement of the company’s earlier lever-action designs, utilizing a strong solid-top receiver with side ejection that distinguished it from many contemporary repeaters. Chambered in popular cartridges such as the .32-20 W.C.F., it was widely used for small game hunting, pest control, and general farm use. Early rifles with octagon barrels remain particularly desirable among collectors, reflecting the craftsmanship and practical design that established Marlin as Winchester’s principal competitor in the lever-action market.

This rifle has been refinished and now retains approximately 98% of its current high-gloss finish, with light handling and operational wear and polishing that has softened the markings. The refinished walnut stocks remain in Good to Very Good condition with scattered handling marks and a repaired forend but no structural cracks. The bright bore retains sharp rifling and rates 9/10, while the action functions correctly. Overall, this is a Very Good refinished Marlin Model 1894 with an excellent bore and strong appeal as a shooter-grade example of a classic early lever-action rifle. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF