Marlin Model 94 1894 Takedown .38-40 WCF Winchester Lever Rifle, 1905 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,930.00

WOA#: WY240521DC007

Make: Marlin Firearms Co.

Model: ’94 Takedown

Serial Number: 323712

Year of Manufacture: 1905

Caliber: .38-40 WCF

Action Type: Takedown Lever Action Rifle with Tubular Magazine

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MARLIN FIRE-ARMS CO. NEW-HAVEN, CT. U.S.A. / PATENTED OCT. 11. 1887. APRIL 2. 1889. AUGUST 1. 1893.” and “38-40”. The upper tang is marked “MARLIN / MODEL ’94.”. The serial number is found on the underside of the frame. The rear face of the barrel extension is marked “PAT. MAY 1. 1894”.

Barrel Length: 26”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman white beaded dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight, the top tang is drilled tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present). 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forend, semi-pistol grip with “S”-profile bottom, straight comb, and a steel “S”-crescent buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. The plate has worn to white with scattered minor oxidation. The stocks rate in Very Good overall condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color 

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is scattered minor erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This gun retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The receiver’s case color has mostly muted with good color only in well protected areas. The bolt has wear at the front with stronger finish toward the rear. The exposed portion of the magazine has mostly gone to a light patina. Most remaining finish is in the barrel which has some areas going to a patina, mostly on the top flat. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some minor surface oxidation and infrequent spots of minor surface erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in Good-Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions as correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Marlin lever actions are often forgotten, especially next to the Winchesters, but they shouldn’t be. Marlin was there, building great quality and reliable rifles alongside Winchester and in the glory days of American Manufacturing. Both on the frontier, and even today, many prefer the Marlin to a Winchester. This gun is an important piece in firearms history, in American history and will be an important piece in your collection. This particular gun is a takedown Model ’94, a must have in any Marlin lever action collection. This rifle is an example from 1905 and has honest wear for a 119 year old rifle that appears to have seen some use. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud