Marlin Model 1894CL “Classic” .32-20 Win. 21.5″ Lever Action Rifle MFD 1990
SOLD FOR: $1,425.00
LSB#: LSB251027RL007
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1894CL “Classic”
Serial Number: 10050529
Year of Manufacture: 1990
Caliber: .32-20 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with Marlin’s North Haven address, and “MODEL 1894CL “CLASSIC” – CALIBER 32-20 WIN.”, and a “JM” stamp just forward of the receiver. The right side of the barrel is marked with Marlin’s 2-line warning. The top tang is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 21.5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding semi-buckhorn U-notch sight, on a riser, dovetailed to the barrel. The tops of the receiver is drilled and tapped for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two-piece smooth walnut stock set, with a straight grip, straight comb, checkered plastic Marlin buttplate, and a smooth capped forend. The Marlin “Bullseye” is present in the belly of the buttstock. There is also an NRA medallion, inlaid into the right side 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 couple of dings and minor handling marks present throughout. The stock’s finish is intact throughout and the wood grain is visible and attractive. The stocks fit tightly to the frame, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine 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 10/10. This rifle does NOT have Micro-Groove rifling.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with only a few hairline scratches, dings, and other superficial imperfections throughout the metal surfaces. The bluing is deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp, and the pins are unmarred. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the cross-bolt safety, and 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: None.
Our Assessment: Marlin introduced the 1894CL “Classic” in 1988 as a tribute to the small-bore lever rifles that helped define the light-caliber sporting market at the turn of the twentieth century. Chambered in .32-20 Winchester, a cartridge originally developed in the 1880s for both rifles and revolvers, the 1894CL revived a round long favored by small-game hunters, trappers, and outdoorsmen who valued its mild recoil and consistent field accuracy. Though produced for only a short span, the CL series earned a reputation for excellent fit, finish, and shootability, making surviving examples increasingly desirable today.
The .32-20 itself holds a unique place among early smokeless-era cartridges. Adopted widely for its efficiency, low report, and versatility, it became a favorite on farms, ranches, and traplines across the country. Its gentle recoil and flat enough trajectory made it effective on varmints and small game, while still offering the classic handling traits of a centerfire lever rifle.
This 1894CL remains in Fine condition, displaying exceptional finish retention, clean edges, attractive walnut with the Marlin bullseye, and an inlaid NRA medallion that provides a period touch of character. Mechanically, it presents as smooth and properly functioning, with a bright, sharp bore that reflects careful prior ownership. With its limited production, classic chambering, and elegant lines, this model represents one of Marlin’s most collectible late-20th-century lever guns, a rifle that both honors the heritage of early American small-bore lever actions and stands ready for continued field use or display. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! – J.D.
