Marlin Model 1894 Cowboy Limited .44-40 Win. 24″ Lever Action Rifle, 1997
SOLD FOR: $1,375.00
LSB#: LSB260216CV063
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1894 Cowboy Limited
Serial Number: 03031596
Year of Manufacture: 1997
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “1894 COWBOY LIMITED *****MODEL 1894CB – CAL.44-40 WIN.*****”, along with Marlin’s North Haven address, and a “JM” stamp. The right side of the barrel is marked with Marlin’s 2-line warning. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 24″ Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn U-notch sight on a riser, dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut stock set, with a straight grip, straight comb, checkered plastic Marlin buttplate, and a checkered capped forend. The Marlin “Bullseye” is present in the belly of the buttstock. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show light wear, with only a few light scratches and dings scattered throughout. The checkering is well defined, and the stock’s finish is intact. The stocks fit tightly to the frame, with no play. 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, but there is some light fouling and minor pitting present in the barrel. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light operational wear, with light loss of finish on the friction surfaces of the action and hammer, and a drag mark on the bottom of the magazine tube. Otherwise, the finish is intact with deep and dark bluing. There are minor superficial imperfections throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the half-cock and cross-bolt safeties. The trigger has a crisp and clean break, and the action is smooth. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Marlin 1894 Cowboy Limited blends late 19th century styling with modern North Haven craftsmanship, and this 1997 JM-stamped example captures that spirit beautifully. With its 24 inch octagonal barrel, straight grip stock, and classic semi-buckhorn sights, the rifle echoes the lines of the original frontier carbines while maintaining the strength and reliability of the solid-top 1894 action. Chambered in .44-40 Winchester, one of the most storied cartridges of the Old West since its 1873 introduction, it offers authentic period appeal with practical shootability for today’s enthusiast.
This rifle retains approximately 98 percent of its original blued finish, with only light operational wear at the hammer and action friction points and a minor drag mark on the magazine tube. The walnut stocks remain attractive with well-defined checkering and only a few light handling marks, and the Marlin bullseye is intact. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, showing minor fouling and slight pitting, and rates 9 out of 10. The action functions correctly with smooth cycling and a crisp trigger break. Overall, this is a clean and desirable JM-era Cowboy Limited in a classic chambering that pairs historical character with solid condition. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.