Marlin Model 1894 94 44-40 WCF 20″ Carbine Lever Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,225.00
LSB#: LSB260602CL051
Make: Marlin
Model: 1894
Serial Number: 437041
Year of Manufacture: 1905-1917
Caliber: 44-40 WCF
Action Type: Lever action, centerfire rifle, fed from tubular magazine
Barrel Length: 20″ Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf V notch with elevator that is dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight has been filed down. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight.
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 stocks have had some repairs and refinishing done. The wrist has the most notable repairs. There are cracks in the wrist in several places, some repaired, some not. The upper left of the wrist is chipped and missing. The stock is marked “Kid Brazeau” on the left side. Overall this stock is in Poor to Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is well defined. There is minor erosion and some slight pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains virtually none of its original finish. The bluing has worn to a brown patina. There are scratches and corrosion stains throughout. There is minor tool marking near the sights. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Fair condition.
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 a classic American lever-action sporting rifle built around a compact, side-ejecting action and chambered here in the traditional .44-40 W.C.F. cartridge. This example features a 20″ round barrel, tubular magazine, straight-grip walnut furniture, crescent steel buttplate, and traditional barrel-mounted sights. Its short barrel and classic chambering give it the handy proportions associated with early 20th-century Marlin carbines and sporting rifles.
The Model 1894 evolved from Marlin’s earlier Model 1889 and became one of the company’s most successful small-frame lever actions. Chamberings such as .44-40 allowed shooters to pair a rifle with a revolver using the same cartridge, a practical arrangement that helped make pistol-caliber lever guns popular with ranchers, hunters, and outdoorsmen. Marlin’s solid-top, side-ejecting receiver also distinguished the design from competing lever actions and became a defining feature of the company’s sporting rifles.
This rifle retains virtually none of its original finish, with the metal worn to brown patina and showing scratches, corrosion staining, and minor tool marks around the sights. The walnut stocks rate in Poor to Fair condition due to multiple wrist cracks, old repairs, missing wood at the upper left wrist, and the carved “Kid Brazeau” inscription. The bright bore has well-defined rifling with minor erosion and slight pitting and rates 8/10, while the action functions correctly. Overall, this is a Fair-condition Marlin Model 1894 with a strong bore, desirable .44-40 chambering, and plenty of vintage character despite substantial stock damage. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF