Help with ID old Marlin 32-20's

Cherokee · Post by **Cherokee** » Sat Apr 23, 2005 9:46 pm

New member here. I posted this on the owners board but never got the answer as to what model I have here. "I have two old Marlin lever actions in 32-20 that I would appreciate information on, at least a model number and apx. date of manufacture. Barrel markings on both rifles:
>Marlin Fire-Arms Co New-Haven, CT, U.S.A.
>Patented Oct. 11, 1887, April, 2, 1889
28” barrel, full length magazine tube, 3.5” long buckhorn rear sight, SN 3223X
24” barrel, full length magazine tube, 3” long buckhorn rear sight, SN 3261X
Both rifles have the Cresent butt plates and have been reblued. Both have the silver front sight. The 28" front is mounted with the slope facing the target, the 24" front is mounted with the slope facing the shooter. Which is correct ? Thanks for any info provided."

Regnier (gunrunner) · Post by **Regnier (gunrunner)** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 9:03 am

Cherokee;

You have a pair of Marlin Model 1889's. Production of the Model 1889 was from 1889 to 1895 with about 55,000 of this model made in rifle, carbine and musket styles. The Model 1889 was made in .32-20, .38-40 and .44-40 calibers with a very few deluxe versions made in .25-20 caliber.
Your rifles were probably shipped from the factory in New Haven, Ct. in about 1890.
As to the front sight, it would appear from your description, the 28 inch barrel gun as the sight positioned correctly.
If you have any other questions, please post them here and someone will try to help.
I hope this helps.

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 4:02 pm

Cherokee,
I think if you had read closely, Four Eyed Buck said they were model 1889's in your April 21st post at Marlinowners.

Cherokee · Post by **Cherokee** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 6:36 pm

Thank you gentlemen for the information. I guess I missed the comment from Buck.