1881 what's missing?

[xxwolfyxx]

Just came across this sight after having my Marlin for many years. A long time ago I inherited an 1881 SN: 11347. I know pretty much nothing about it, only fired it once with a low powder round to make sure all was good. I seem to be missing either an attachment or screws. Any thoughts?

And are the price tags I'm seeing the normal going price for these?

Thanks

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Xxwolfyxx;

You have a large frame Marlin Model 1881 that was shipped in either late 1885 or sometime in 1886. Unfortunately, the record for your serial number is blank, so I cannot tell you the caliber or barrel length as it left the factory.
The holes in the upper tang of your Model 1881 are for a tang mounted peep sight. Not all guns had these sights, so Marlin would put plug screws in the holes in case the owner wanted to add a tang sight later. There are some of these plug screws on eBay, just make sure that they are for the Model 1881.

[xxwolfyxx]

Thank you for the info. I'll see if I can find the screws.

[xxwolfyxx]

Also forgot to add that it was a 45-70 and I measured the barrel. From end to where it mates the receiver was 25" so I'm guessing the standard 28" barrel.

[marlinman93]

If you look for plug screws for a Ballard or an 1881 Marlin, they will both be the slightly larger 9-40 size needed for your gun. 8-40 is often used, but they will be a loose fitting plug.

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Xxwolfyxx;

If your barrel measured to the front of the receiver is 25 inches, then most likely you have a 26 inch barrel, not a 28 inch barrel. To be sure, measure to the face of the breech bolt. You can stick a rod down the barrel with the action closed, mark the rod at the end of the barrel, then measure from the end to your mark.
The 26 inch barrel was available, and is somewhat rare in the Model 1881 as of the nearly 22,000 Model 1881's listed in the records, only 277 are listed with the 26 inch barrel. If your barrel is truly a 26 inch barrel, then there is one more to add to the list.

[xxwolfyxx]

I'll remeasure tomorrow and let you know.

Thanks for the updated info.

[xxwolfyxx]

So did the rod down the barrel today and yes it is a 26"

Do you update the records as you get info? Need to know anything else?