Marlin Model '94 inquiry

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apierry
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Marlin Model '94 inquiry

Post by apierry »

Dear all,
I have and old Marlin "Model '94" which belonged to my grandfather and I'm looking for more info regarding its manufacturing date and caliber. This is what I know so far:

1. Lever action rifle with serial number 401315
2. The serial number is located in the upper tang left side and on the bottom between the forearm and the lever.
3. The rifle measures 37-1/2" oal and has a 20" round barrel
4. No "bullseye" in the buttstock.
5. No "six point star" in the tang
6. No barrel rollstamp info visible, but appears to be cal .44-40

I sent an email to Marlin Firearms and they told me no official records are available as these were destroyed in a fire. However, "Model '94" was produced between 1905 and 1935.

I attached some pictures for your easy reference.

https://imgur.com/VNlpGtB
https://imgur.com/8SU5WZJ
https://imgur.com/Ks71zKX
https://imgur.com/dnrJE7x
https://imgur.com/ucAqCnk
https://imgur.com/0zIf9H2


Thank you in advance and looking forward to hearing from you soon,

Andres
Best regards,

Andres
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marlinman93
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Re: Marlin Model '94 inquiry

Post by marlinman93 »

The last serial numbers recorded were 355,600 approx. and your 401,000 should put your gun around 1910-11 I'd guess. The rollstamp may be hard to see on the barrel, but likely on top between the rear sight and the rear barrel band. Round barrels seem to be stamped lighter, so a good light and magnifier might be useful. Caliber is on top of the barrel also, and right by the receiver. Could be .44-40 or .38-40 from the size of the bore. If you have both cartridges available, or maybe look through your dad's stuff to see if he had either cartridges; and check to see if it accepts a .44-40.
Can't help but chuckle that the new Marlin company is propagating the "fire" rumor. It has happened at some old gun companies, but I've never read any truth to it happening at Marlin in the early 1900's?
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
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apierry
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Re: Marlin Model '94 inquiry

Post by apierry »

Thank you Marlinman93!

I will double check the round barrel for rollstamp and caliber info.

Another question, I was checking Brophy's book and based on the characteristics, size and that this Marlin '94 has a saddle ring, this should be designated as a "carbine" instead of a "rifle"? Is this correct?

One last think, this piece is missing the screw that fixes the buttstock to the receiver. Is it possible to acquire a spare screw? where? whom?

Thanks in advance,
Best regards,

Andres
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apierry
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Re: Marlin Model '94 inquiry

Post by apierry »

Btw, reading Brophy's book I believe the missing screw is called the "tang screw". Is this tang screw easy available in the market?

Cheers!
Andres
Best regards,

Andres
cj57
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Re: Marlin Model '94 inquiry

Post by cj57 »

Yes, you can get them on Ebay or gunparts .com
Regnier (gunrunner)
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Re: Marlin Model '94 inquiry

Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

Apierry;

Go to the "For Sale or Trade" section of this website. The very first post is for Marlin screws. The gentleman that has them is a great guy and very reasonable, and the parts are right.
Due to the increasing cost of ammunition, there will be no warning shot!

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cj57
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Re: Marlin Model '94 inquiry

Post by cj57 »

I forgot about Larry! I have bought screws and other items from him. Good to deal with!
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apierry
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Re: Marlin Model '94 inquiry

Post by apierry »

Thank you both!

I will contact Larry.
Best regards,

Andres
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apierry
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Re: Marlin Model '94 inquiry

Post by apierry »

Hello all!
I finally got the tang screw and had my Model '94 carbine cleaned and checked. It's now ready to fire. Here are some pictures for you to see!

https://imgur.com/BtkwRUi
https://imgur.com/S0dVrkd
https://imgur.com/ygV2L2A

However, I have some concerns about safety. I am not sure the old barrel will resist the pressure of firing the current available .44-40 cal cartridges.

In the local market I have found the following .44-40 cartridges available:

Winchester Super X, .44-40 WIN, 225 grains, LFN, and
Magtech, .44-40 WIN, 200 grains, LFN

Which one would you recommend to use, considering I will only do target practice (no deer or bear hunting!)?
Best regards,

Andres
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marlinman93
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Re: Marlin Model '94 inquiry

Post by marlinman93 »

The Mag Tech are considered "cowboy loads" and should be fine in your Marlin. Not sure on the Winchester Super X?
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
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apierry
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Re: Marlin Model '94 inquiry

Post by apierry »

Thank you marlinman93!
Best regards,

Andres
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