What is a Marlin 1891?

[Brent]

Marlin 1893, 1894, 19895 are pretty easily identified though the latter comes in two very distinct flavors.

but what is a Marlin 1891? I hear and see different things at gun shows and on line.
For instance, here are two 1891s for sale on gunbroker.com
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =404131616 and http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =403352580

Everything about these two rifles look very different to me.

I'm not too clear on the 1892 either. But I've seen a number of very very different rifles called 91s. I must be missing something.

[Road King]

Hi Brent, the big difference between the two guns that you have shown is that the first one is a Model 1889 manufactured in 1891 as per the seller's description and the second one is a Model 1891 (second model, 4th variation).

[Brent]

Well, clearly I can't read.

This one is probably the same then
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =404323251

[Road King]

Yes Brent this one is also a Model 1889 and the owner has identified wrong, but by his post you can see that he wasn't sure himself.

[Brent]

Yup. I'm the one that is confused. I think I've got it more or less straight now. Thanks.

[jorgy]

Marlin 1889's are easily identified by the lever latch. 1891's are the first sideloader made by Marlin & are usually a half magazine. The second version of the 1891 was the first tube feed made by Marlin in 22 caliber. I may be wrong but all 1891's were 22s.

[Roundsworth]

I once owned a Model 1891 that was a tube fed .32. It is another one I 'shoulda kept'!