Marlin Model 1894 Carbine .45 Colt 20″ JM Lever Action Rifle, MFD 2003
SOLD FOR: $1,247.22
LSB#: LSB260214CG010
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1894 Carbine
Serial Number: 97029031
Year of Manufacture: 2003 / Modern
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “THE MARLIN FIREARMS CO. NORTH HAVEN. CT. U.S.A. / **** MODEL 1894 – CAL. 45 COLT****” and “JM” at the chamber. The right side of the barrel is marked with a two line warning. The top tang is marked “97029031”.
Barrel Length: 20″
Sights / Optics: The front is a brass rod dovetailed to a serrated ramped base screwed to the barrel and slotted for a hood (none present). The rear sight is a u-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. There are two pairs of drilled, tapped, and filled screws on top of the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, Marlin rubber buttpad, capped forend with sling stud, sling stud in belly, and Marlin “bullseye” in the belly of the buttstock. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The checkering is sharp. There is light handling wear. There are a few nicks and compressions. There is a sot on the left side of the wrist where the checkering has been blunted. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Very 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. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light operational and handling wear. Otherwise, the bluing is deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the half-cock safety. 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: Leather lever wrap.
Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 1894 traces its origins to the late nineteenth century, first introduced in 1894 as one of Marlin’s premier lever action designs for pistol caliber cartridges. Known for its solid top receiver and side ejection, the design offered advantages for strength and later optic mounting compared to its contemporaries. By the early 2000s, examples like this 2003 production carbine represent the final years of North Haven, Connecticut manufacture, often identified by the desirable “JM” barrel stamp, a mark closely associated with Marlin’s traditional production quality. Chambered in .45 Colt, a cartridge introduced in 1873 for the Colt Single Action Army, the rifle pairs a historic revolver cartridge with a lever action platform, offering mild recoil, practical power, and a strong connection to the American frontier tradition.
This example retains about 95 percent of its original blued finish, with light operational and handling wear and otherwise deep, even bluing throughout. The markings remain clear and legible, and the screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The checkered walnut stock set is in Very Good condition, showing minor handling marks, a few scattered nicks and compressions, and slight blunting of the checkering at the wrist, with no cracks or structural issues noted. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9.5 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly with a working half cock safety, and the rifle includes a leather lever wrap. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – L.S.