Marlin Firearms 1894 CBC Cowboy Competition 38 Special 20” Lever Rifle 2002
SOLD FOR: $1,102.00
LSB#: WY241029DA009
Make: Marlin
Model: 1894CBC, Cowboy Competition
Serial Number: 98204339
Year of Manufacture: 2002, First Year
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The right side of the barrel is marked with Marlin’s two-line warning. The left side of the barrel is marked “1894 COWBOY COMPETITION” followed by “THE MARLIN FIREARMS CO. NORTH HAVEN, CT. U.S.A. / ***MODEL 1894CBC – 38 SPECIAL***”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”.
Barrel Length: 20”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated brass beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is an invertible “u/v” notched semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed into the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth American walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, checkered black hard rubber Marlin buttplate, and Marlin “bullseye” in the belly. There is a leather buttstock cover that has been laced tight to the buttstock and can’t be removed without jeopardizing the lace. We do not know the condition of the wood underneath but can guess there is mild handling wear consistent with the rest of the stock. There are compressions, scratches, and draglines scattered about the stocks, concentrated at the start of the comb. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 13 1/2? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear on the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue with Case Hardened Receiver, Bolt, & Lever
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10. There is some carbon buildup on the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The finish is very strong throughout. There are some scratches and scuffs on the barrel and receiver, primarily on the left side of the barrel. There is some loading wear on the loading gate. There are fire marks on the barrel. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear except for the warning mark which appears to have been rolled with a broken die. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and is butter smooth. The action glides like butter and the trigger pull is light and crisp. There is a receiver-mounted cross-bolt safety. The lever safety is present and functions properly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Marlin 1894 CBC Cowboy Competition in .38 Special with a 20-inch barrel is a purpose-built lever-action rifle designed specifically for Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS). This rifle is a refined version of the classic Marlin 1894, tailored for fast, smooth operation in competitive shooting scenarios. Chambered in .38 Special, a low-recoil yet effective cartridge, the 1894 CBC is known for its buttery-smooth action, allowing competitors to cycle rounds quickly and efficiently. The tubular magazine holds multiple rounds, offering ample capacity for timed shooting events, while the short, handy 20-inch barrel ensures maneuverability and quick target acquisition.
Designed with competition shooters in mind, the Marlin 1894 CBC Cowboy Competition features a polished internal action for fast cycling, a checkered walnut stock for a secure grip, and a blued steel octagonal barrel that gives it an authentic Old West aesthetic. The rifle is equipped with a semi-buckhorn rear sight and a brass bead front sight, providing a traditional yet effective sighting system. Its lightweight frame and tuned action make it one of the most sought-after rifles for CAS events. Whether for competition, collecting, or recreational shooting, this Marlin 1894 CBC offers a perfect blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and performance, making it a prized piece for lever-action enthusiasts and cowboy shooters alike. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
