Marlin Rifles

u812

u812

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Mar 15, 2002
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So what do you guys think about the current Marlins? I was thinking about getting another one but with hearing all the trash talk about them I did a little research. Read about the 3 years or so after Remington bought and moved them and the sabotaged machinery. Saw that Marlins made after 2011 or so should have as good of quality as the older ones. Wasn't sure as the only one I have had for quite some time was a 336w 30/30 from Walmart. Not sure of the year it was made but I did not like the fit and finish. Rough is the best term. Well I bought a 1894 .44 mag on the 4 of July. It was made Dec 2015 and I got to say I am impressed with it. Fit and finish are really nice. The blueing is blueing not the Remington parkerising (SP). Action right out of the box was OK but really slicked up after cleaning and lube.
Next one is going to be the stainless 45/70 guide gun.
 
When it comes to big bore lever guns Marlin has been doing it a long time. Imo they made big bore straight walls cool. I don't have any now but had a .444 once, it was a hammer. I wouldn't hesitate if it trips your trigger. I would have to be positive there wasn't something that turned me on in a Henry first but that's me. They have a 45-70, it's not their traditional look but worth looking at.
 
I looked at the Henry Big Boy 45/70. Like it OK but I prefer a side loading gate.
 
I have had a marlin 45-70 for nearly three years now. I absolutely love it, very accurate with any load I've put in it but the hornady 325 grain lever revolution ammo really shines. The fit and finish were excellent externally but it did have a couple small burs on the bolt, nothing that oil and shooting didn't smooth right up. I'd highly recommend it!
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I own a 3 marlin levers. Two I shot cowboy action with and they out performed their competitors. I would not hesitate to buy one.
 
Get the 45/70. I've had mine for quite a while at this point. Fun little gun for hunting in the mountains.
 
I just bought one yesterday (Marlin 336SS), I'm in California so I have to wait for 9 more days but I was happy with how smooth the action was. I also had read a lot of complaints about "Remlins" but I wanted a stainless rifle for my truck.
 
I bought a 45/70 1895G "Guide Gun" a few years back. Fit and finish are outstanding. I added a Big Loop Lever and XS sight base, and now it's just about perfect.

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But if I had it to do over again, I'd get the Model 1895SBL. It comes with Big Loop Lever and XS sight base standard. And while you might not like the Big Loop Lever (although I can't imagine why), you gotta like the two extra shots on the 1895SBL.
 
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Main complaints I has heard of was the actions not being as smooth and sights not being installed straight on the barrel. I'd say that if you can physically handle and inspect the gun to make sure it doesn't have crooked sights, the other "issue" will smooth out with use.
 
Don't believe everything you read on the internet............Marlin or Remlin did have some very early teething problems with their early guns. People complaining about bluing need to understand that due to EPA restrictions during the Bush administration that certain chemicals were outlawed or banned from future use and all companies had to change their bluing process so Marlin is not alone. If bluing is a concern, buy an older JM stamped Marlin or Winchester because the finishes are or were better.

I own and have owned dozens of Marlins....mostly JM but that's because I bought them under the original Marlin brand at the time of production. I have a serial number list on my home computer I can provide that will give you a better used Remlin buyers guide if that helps if you plan to buy an older used non JM stamped gun but the newest production Marlins have very good wood to metal fit right now. That was another big complaint and the one I currently own is as good or better than most of my older models. They also had some problems with 1894's and their pistol cartridge's not chambering and feeding correctly during the transition. Truth be told....that's not unusual for even a JM 1894 but there are remedies and fixes for these issues.

I'd say your Dec, 2015 1894 is a great rifle, it's one of my favorites. Don't worry in the slightest about issues especially with it being that new of a production rifle. Enjoy and shoot cast 300 grainers out that bad boy and you will be ecstatic!
 
My neighbor bought one last year and couldn't get the sights to adjust to two feet outside target. He put a scope on it and loves it now. Something seriously wrong with sights on his.
 
In the last 2 years I have bought 3 Marlin Lever Actions all in 45-70. The 18.5" Cowboy, the 26" Cowboy and the stainless guide gun. All have wonderful fit and finish and they all shoot great. I would say that all 3 have better fit and finish than my older 336 JM.

Garth
 
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