Marlin Firearms Co 1894CL 1894-CL Classic 32-20 Winchester JM Lever Rifle
SOLD FOR: $805
WOA#: WY240306MK007
Make: Marlin
Model: 1894CL “Classic”
Serial Number: CL322456
Year of Manufacture: 1988-1993
Caliber: .32-20 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The right side of the barrel is marked with the Marlin warning. The left side of the barrel is marked “THE MARLIN FIREARMS CO. NORTH HAVEN, CT., U.S.A. / MODEL 1894CL “CLASSIC” – CALIBER 32-20 WIN.” with a “JM” proof mark at the receiver ring. The top tang is marked with the serial number. The top of the bolt is marked “32-20”.
Barrel Length: 21 ¾” Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass-beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn u-notch elevator dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Leupold 3×9 VARI-X II Rifle Scope with Duplex Crosshair Reticle. The sight picture is clear. There is light handling wear on the body of the scope.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, Marlin “bullseye” in the belly, and checkered Marlin hard rubber buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. There is a small compression on the right side of the forend. There are a couple nicks on the belly of the stock. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
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.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is little to no handing or operation wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly. The lever safety is present and functional. There is also a push safety on the frame that blocks the hammer. 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 has long been the major competition for Winchester’s lever action of the same name in the pistol-caliber lever-action rifle game. The Marlin has the advantage of being a side-ejector, lending itself to use with an optic and tends to have a smoother action with a simpler design. The .32-20 cartridge is a classic Winchester cartridge which was also a fairly popular chambering for various revolvers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This 1894 “Classic” brings the .32-20 for the Marlin fan. It is in Excellent condition. Also, this rifle is a “JM” marked gun, made before Marlin was bought out by Remington, making a true Marlin rifle. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
