Marlin Model 1894SS .44 Magnum/Special 20″ Lever Action Rifle, MFD 2008
SOLD FOR: $1,202.00
LSB#: LSB251101OF013
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1894SS
Serial Number: 92204269
Year of Manufacture: 2008
Caliber: .44 Remington Magnum / .44 Special
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with Marlin’s North Haven address, and “1894SS **MODEL 1894SS – CAL. 44 REM. MAG. OR 44 SPL.**”, along with 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: 20″ Stainless
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated base screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding 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, brown rubber Marlin buttpad, a checkered capped forend, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show light wear, with scattered scratches, dings, and compressions throughout. The stock’s finish is largely 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: Stainless
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn 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 light freckling of surface corrosion on the front barrel band, magazine tube cap, and on the forend cap. There are minor hairline scratches and dings throughout the rest of the metal surfaces. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the cross-bolt and half-cock safeties. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s test. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Marlin’s 1894SS reflects the company’s continued refinement of its pistol-caliber lever guns into the modern era, and by 2008 the stainless-steel variant had become a favored companion for hunters, ranchers, and shooters wanting a durable, weather-resistant rifle with classic lines. Built on the proven 1894 action, the SS model offers smooth cycling, excellent handling, and a compact profile that made these rifles a natural fit for dense woods, truck duty, or informal range work. The JM-stamped production further appeals to enthusiasts who value Marlin’s traditional craftsmanship before the end of North Haven operations.
Chambered for .44 Magnum and .44 Special, the rifle stands firmly within the lineage of American revolver and carbine pairings that traces back to the frontier era. The .44 Magnum, introduced in the mid-1950s, quickly proved itself both a powerful hunting cartridge and one that performs exceptionally in carbines, gaining considerable velocity and energy from a 20-inch barrel. The option to also fire .44 Special continues a tradition dating to the early 20th century, offering mild recoil for small-game use or casual shooting while preserving the platform’s versatility.
This example retains strong stainless finish, mechanically sound function, and clean lines throughout, showing only minor cosmetic wear. The bore remains bright and sharp, and the rifle presents as a solid, attractive JM-marked pistol-caliber lever gun ready for restoration, field use, or addition to a Marlin collection. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! – J.D.
