Marlin Model 1894C .357 Magnum Carbine Lever Action Rifle with Box

SOLD FOR: $1,375.00

LSB#: LSB260421DD039

Make: Marlin

Model:  1894C

Serial Number: 20124086

Year of Manufacture: 1980

Caliber: .357 Magnum

Action Type: Lever action, centerfire rifle, fed from detachable magazine

Barrel Length: 20″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf U notch with elevator dovetailed to the barrel. The left side of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a peep sight. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope base. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and checkered Marlin plastic buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/2″ from trigger to buttplate. There is light handling and box wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Excellent condition. 

Type of Finish: Blued 

Finish Originality: Original 

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. It does not look like this rifle has been fired outside the factory. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are light scratches and box wear from storage. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: Factory Box

Our Assessment: This Marlin Model 1894C is a desirable 1980-production lever-action carbine chambered in .357 Magnum, a highly versatile cartridge well-suited for both rifle and handgun compatibility. The 20″ barrel, tubular magazine, smooth walnut stocks, capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and checkered Marlin plastic buttplate give it the classic 1894C configuration. The rifle retains traditional iron sights with a beaded front blade and elevator-adjustable U-notch rear sight, while the receiver is drilled and tapped for both peep sight and scope base installation, adding useful flexibility for hunting or range applications.

Condition is Excellent overall, with the rifle retaining about 98% of its original blued finish. The metal shows only light scratches and minor box wear from storage, while the screw heads remain sharp and markings are clear. The walnut stock set is also in Excellent condition, showing only light handling and storage wear with no chips or cracks. The inclusion of the factory box further enhances its completeness and collector appeal, particularly for a clean early-production example in a desirable chambering.

The bore is outstanding, remaining bright with sharp rifling, no erosion, and showing no indication of use beyond factory testing, rating 10/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, though the rifle has not been test fired by us. As with any used firearm, a thorough cleaning and inspection are advisable before use. Overall, this is a highly attractive Marlin 1894C in .357 Magnum, offering excellent bore condition, near-new appearance, strong factory finish retention, and excellent collector or shooter appeal, especially given its early 1980 production and complete box inclusion. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF