32 - 40 question

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Smilyburnet
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32 - 40 question

Post by Smilyburnet »

How common is 32-40 cal. In combination with a 22” barrel in the 1893.
Regnier (gunrunner)
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Re: 32 - 40 question

Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

Smilyburnet;

A 22 inch barrel would be very unusual for a Model 1893 as the standard barrel length was 26 inches. A Model 1893 standard carbine had a 20 inch barrel so any Model 1893 with a 22 inch barrel will be quite rare. The Model 1893 records have never been broken down as to calibers, barrel lengths or other features, so to put a number on exactly how rare such a Model 1893 would be really cannot be determined at this time.
The .32-40 caliber was one of two calibers that the Model 1893 was introduced with in 1893, and the only calibers available until 1895 when the smokeless powders came out. So for the first two years, there would have been quite a few rifles and carbines made in the .32-40 caliber along with a quite a few made after 1895.
So, there would be quite a few guns in .32-40, the 22 inch barrel is what would make this a rare gun, if the gun actually left the factory with a 22 inch barrel, and it had not been cut off at some point in time. If the serial number is under 355,500, then there may be a chance it could be listed in the factory records and be able to determine if it is an original 22 inch barrel gun.
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Smilyburnet
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Re: 32 - 40 question

Post by Smilyburnet »

Thanks for the info on my rifle. The serial no indicates a 1903 date. Do you know the proper length from front site to the end of the barrel? Where do I access factory records?
Regnier (gunrunner)
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Re: 32 - 40 question

Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

Smilyburnet;

Distance from end of the barrel to centerline of the front sight dovetail is 7/8 inch. Of course, that is not a guarantee that the barrel has not been cut even if the distance is correct.
Factory records are available from the Cody Firearms Museum in Cody, Wyoming. You can pay for a letter and get the complete information on your gun, or post the serial number here, and I can look up the information and give you some of the information that is listed. Unless you are a member of the Marlin Firearms Collectors Association, Ltd. then you could get the complete information listed. A benefit of being a member of the Association.
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.
Smilyburnet
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Re: 32 - 40 question

Post by Smilyburnet »

Thanks in advance, the serial no is 258449
Regnier (gunrunner)
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Re: 32 - 40 question

Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

Smilyburnet;

Your Marlin Model 1893 was shipped very late 1902 in .32-40 caliber, but it had a barrel 26 inch octagon barrel when it left the factory.
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.
Smilyburnet
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Re: 32 - 40 question

Post by Smilyburnet »

Story of my life. Always a bridesmaid never a bride. Thanks again for your efforts.
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marlinman93
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Re: 32 - 40 question

Post by marlinman93 »

No consolation, but the vast majority of rare short barreled old Marlins end up being cut down when the records are checked.
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
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