Marlin Firearms Co. Model 375 .375 Winchester 20” Lever Action Rifle, 1980
SOLD FOR: $1,450.00
LSB#: LSB250824GS003
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 375
Serial Number: 20068387
Year of Manufacture: 1980
Caliber: .375 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MODEL 375 The Marlin Firearms Co. —CAL. 375 WIN. / MADE IN NORTH HAVEN, CT. U.S.A. MICRO-GROOVE BARREL”, and a JM proof mark. The top tang is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, dovetailed to a serrated ramp, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn U-notch sight on a riser, dovetailed to the barrel. The receiver is drilled and tapped for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece smooth walnut, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, straight grip, brown rubber buttpad, the Marlin “Bullseye” in the belly, and a capped forend. There is a leather sling attached to the rifle. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show light to moderate wear, with scattered scratches, dings, and scuffs throughout. There are a few small patches of missing finish on the buttstock and on the bottom of the forend. There are no chips or cracks. The stocks fit the frame tightly, with no play. Overall, the stocks rate in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with a few light scratches and dings scattered throughout the metal surfaces. The bluing is deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the half-cock safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the leather sling as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: Marlin’s Model 375 was introduced in 1980 as a heavy-hitting, short-action lever gun designed to make use of the then-new .375 Winchester cartridge. Built on the solid, side-ejecting 336-type action, it offered shooters the rugged dependability of a traditional Marlin paired with the ballistic authority of a true big-bore round. Production was relatively short, ending in the early 1980s, which has since made these rifles sought after among collectors and hunters who appreciate the transitional period when Marlin was experimenting with more powerful, modern lever-gun cartridges.
The .375 Winchester itself was introduced in 1978 as a modernized, high-pressure evolution of the old .38-55, designed for strong actions and capable of pushing a 200-grain bullet to around 2,200 fps. In a compact 20″ lever rifle like this, it delivers authoritative energy on medium and large game out to 200 yards, making it one of the most capable woods cartridges of its day. Combined with Marlin’s Micro-Groove barrel, the rifle offers surprising accuracy for a lever-action and retains the fast handling that made the company’s carbines so enduring.
This example presents as an honest, well-preserved 1980 original with roughly 95% of its deep blue intact, a bright 9/10 bore, and tight mechanical fit. The walnut stocks show moderate field wear and scattered handling marks consistent with use rather than neglect, and the rifle remains drilled and tapped for optics. With its clean lines, strong bore, and limited production run, the Model 375 stands today as a hard-to-find chapter in Marlin’s big-bore history—part collectible, part serious hunting rifle, and wholly representative of the brand’s legacy of American lever-gun innovation. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
