Marlin Model 1897 Texan .22 S. L. LR. Lever Action 20″ MFD 2003
SOLD FOR: $1,450.00
LSB#: WY250324AC004
Make: Marlin
Model: 1897 Texan
Serial Number: 97301361
Year of Manufacture: 2003
Caliber: .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle
Action Type: Lever action with a tubular magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “1897 TEXAN The Marlin Firearms Co.North Haven, Conn. USA CAL. 22 S.L. & L.R. MICRO-GROOVE BARREL”. The bottom of the receiver under the lever is marked “97301361”. The right side of the barrel is marked with a two line warning. There is a JM stamp on the left side of the barrel where it meets the receiver. The butt has “Marlin” on it.
Barrel Length: 20 inches, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a gold bead front sight, the rear is a flexible rear tang sight. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for an optic mount.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth checkered walnut with a straight grip and straight comb. The buttplate is textured hard rubber in excellent shape. The stocks show some operational wear with some small compressions and scratches. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt stock. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and sharp, with minimal wear. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. The barrel and magazine tube have some strong finish remaining with little finish loss. The action shows operational wear mainly on the receiver. Most of the screw heads are sharp and unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very-Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cross-bolt safety is functional. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Box, scope base, gun lock, and paperwork.
Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 1897 Texan was a limited-production lever-action rimfire rifle inspired by the original 1897 design, offering the nostalgic look and feel of a classic with modern materials and performance. This version, made in 2003, features Marlin’s reliable Micro-Groove rifling and smooth action, making it ideal for plinking, small game hunting, or collecting. With its handsome walnut stock, blued finish, and classic straight grip styling, this 1897 Texan delivers the charm of Old West lever guns in a lightweight, fun-to-shoot rimfire package. Make sure to inspect our detailed pictures to get a better idea of the firearm. -C.R.
