Marlin 1894 serial number question

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fng
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Marlin 1894 serial number question

Post by fng »

Greetings.

My father-in-law recently acquired a Model 1894 in .45 caliber, SN 020069**. Neither his nor my google-fu has been able to find someplace that can tell us the year the this rifle was manufactured.

I am hoping that one of the fine members here can help out by providing either a link or solid guesstimate.

Thank you.
Regnier (gunrunner)
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Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

FNG;

A modern Marlin Model 1894 with an 02.... serial number was manufactured in 1998.
I hope this helps.
fng
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Post by fng »

thank you.
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Post by Savvy Jack »

why did Marlin go backwards with the SN#s?

02 was a 98 but the 03 is a 97? Or is the 03 just in 44-40 cal?
Regnier (gunrunner)
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Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

Savvy Jack;

When Marlin developed this serial number system, they used the current year, subtracted from 100 to determine year of manufacture. (i.e. 100 - 02 = 98 or 1998 or 100 - 03 = 97 or 1997)
This was done because from 1969 to 1972, Marlin used the the last two digits of the year as the serial number prefix. ( the 69, 70, 71 & 72) Dealers complained the Marlin was "dating" the inventory, so they changed the system to what they are using now.
I hope this helps.
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Post by Savvy Jack »

Dating not a good thing? Its nice to know when one was built...right?

Nevertheless, thanks for the info! It does help.
Regnier (gunrunner)
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Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

Savvy Jack;

If you are a firearms dealer, dealing in new guns, having a gun in your inventory that says it may have been made a couple of years ago is not a good thing. Many of Marlin's product lines do not change from year to year, and so they remain the same, looking....but may not be a new gun in a dealers inventory.
When Marlin used the year to prefix the serial numbers, it was easy for anyone to determine year of manufacture. When they changed to the present system, it created some confusion, and if you did not know the code, like many people here asking the question as to when their new gun was made, then the new system works, which is good for the dealers selling new guns.
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Post by Savvy Jack »

Got Ya, makes sense in that aspect!
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rodeo kid
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Re: Marlin 1894 serial number question

Post by rodeo kid »

Regnier, I just picked up a Marlin 1894 in .357 with a Redfield 3x9 scope for $399. The metal is about 90% and the wood around 85%. The serial # is 1917XXXX. Does that make it a date of manufacture of 1989? And was the price fair? Thanks. :?:
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Regnier (gunrunner)
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Re: Marlin 1894 serial number question

Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

Rodeo Kid;

Close......100 - 19 = 81 or 1981.
I would say you got a pretty good deal, overall.
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rodeo kid
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Re: Marlin 1894 serial number question

Post by rodeo kid »

Thanks Reginier, can't believe my math was that bad, got to looking at it and said oops. Came back to change it and you had already answered. :oops:
When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns, so buy more guns.
oldocbean
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Re: Marlin 1894 serial number question

Post by oldocbean »

OK so if I'm understanding what im reading then my 1984c with a serial # staring with 18 is a 1982, ok cool my ? is when did they start putting the cross bolt safety in
Regnier (gunrunner)
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Re: Marlin 1894 serial number question

Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

Oldocbean;

That would have been 1984.
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.
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Re: Marlin 1894 serial number question

Post by oldocbean »

thank you
Mattp3810
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Re: Marlin 1894 serial number question

Post by Mattp3810 »

I have a Marlin 1984 44 mag, and not sure the year it was manufactured. The S/N is 358**. Can anyone help me please. Thank You
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