How can I tell how old a rifle is?

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fishhog1945
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How can I tell how old a rifle is?

Post by fishhog1945 »

I have a friends model 1945 Marlin the serial number is 150145, on top of the receiver it has MARLIN SAFETY. The lever action and hammer possibly Nickle also the butt plate which has a rather large radius and the for arm ring is silver also. I did find in fine print the number 44 on top of the barrel I am assuming it is a 44-40, the rifling is quit heavy the measurement between the lands is .425. Will appreciate any information on this rifle.

Thanks and Have a great day,

fishhog1945,
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marlinman93
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Re: How can I tell how old a rifle is?

Post by marlinman93 »

Where did you get the "Model 1945" designation from? Never heard of a Model 1945 Marlin? It could be a Model 1894.
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
Regnier (gunrunner)
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Re: How can I tell how old a rifle is?

Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

Fishhog1945;

Vall is correct, this serial number comes back as a Marlin Model 1894 that was shipped in early 1898. It was a .44-40 caliber gun as you indicated and had a 24 inch round barrel.
The gun will be marked "Model 1894" on the upper tang, behind the hammer.
You say some of the parts are "silver" in color. Chances are, these parts have been plated at some point in it's life after it left the factory. We would need to see pictures of the piece in question to determine if indeed this plating is factory or an aftermarket addition.
Due to the increasing cost of ammunition, there will be no warning shot!

The growing federal deficit = generational slavery to the national debt.

If the world was perfect.......it wouldn't be.
fishhog1945
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Re: How can I tell how old a rifle is?

Post by fishhog1945 »

Yes, the model number is 1845 sorry my mistake, I will take some pictures and try to get them on here.
fishhog1945
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Re: How can I tell how old a rifle is?

Post by fishhog1945 »

I noticed the lands are quite heavy, if it were to be shot should cast lead bullets be used?
fishhog1945
fishhog1945
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Re: How can I tell how old a rifle is?

Post by fishhog1945 »

How do I post pictures?

fishhog1945
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Road King
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Re: How can I tell how old a rifle is?

Post by Road King »

To post pictures you have to use a host site like photobucket or Imgur. Download your pictures to one of these sites and then copy from their link of the picture to this site.
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marlinman93
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Re: How can I tell how old a rifle is?

Post by marlinman93 »

I'd highly recommend not using Photobucket! It's slow, and a PITA. I've dropped my account there and gone to Imgur, which works fantastic!
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
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Road King
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Re: How can I tell how old a rifle is?

Post by Road King »

I agree with Marlinman 93. Photobucket has been a real pain with pop ups and slowoperting system.
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fishhog1945
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Re: How can I tell how old a rifle is?

Post by fishhog1945 »

Here maybe are some pictures if it worked right

http://imgur.com[img][/ihttp://i.imgur.com/3Spw2tK.jpgmg]
<a href="http://imgur.com/VG9GOhZ"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/VG9GOhZ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/3Spw2tK"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/3Spw2tK.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/VG9GOhZ"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/VG9GOhZ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/VG9GOhZ"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/VG9GOhZ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/VG9GOhZ"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/VG9GOhZ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/VG9GOhZ"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/VG9GOhZ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/VG9GOhZ"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/VG9GOhZ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/VG9GOhZ"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/VG9GOhZ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/VG9GOhZ"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/VG9GOhZ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/VG9GOhZ"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/VG9GOhZ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/VG9GOhZ"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/VG9GOhZ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/VG9GOhZ"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/VG9GOhZ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/VG9GOhZ"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/VG9GOhZ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/VG9GOhZ"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/VG9GOhZ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

fishhog
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marlinman93
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Re: How can I tell how old a rifle is?

Post by marlinman93 »

Nope, not working right.
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
fishhog1945
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Re: How can I tell how old a rifle is?

Post by fishhog1945 »

http://fishhog1945.imgur.com

Maybe this will work.

Fish
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marlinman93
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Re: How can I tell how old a rifle is?

Post by marlinman93 »

Can't make out the serial number for sure, but looks like 150,000 range? Should make it around 1897 range.
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
Regnier (gunrunner)
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Re: How can I tell how old a rifle is?

Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

Fishhog1945;

From the pictures posted, it is very apparent that this Marlin Model 1894 has been completely refinished. The nickel plated trimmings (which may be chrome and not nickel) are not factory applied either.
Sorry to have to tell you, but the collector value is gone, and it is now a shooter for someone that wants a "dolled" up, antique firearm for cowboy action shooting or just something to hang on a wall.
Due to the increasing cost of ammunition, there will be no warning shot!

The growing federal deficit = generational slavery to the national debt.

If the world was perfect.......it wouldn't be.
fishhog1945
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Joined: Sun Jun 04, 2017 10:21 pm

Re: How can I tell how old a rifle is?

Post by fishhog1945 »

Thanks guys I appreciate your time and effort.

fish
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