model 1889 mystery

[darock]

I am new to the sight, but I have seen some knowledgeable peoples posts. I have an 1889 marlin with a 20" barrel. I know they made a few according to Brophy's book. this rifle is 70% blue. lumber is nice. It has been drilled for tang sight and the upper receiver is drilled and plugged The barrel is an obvious 38 caliber, I have not accurately slugged it. The Chamber however is too small for 38-40 ammo but, 38 special with long bullet and 357 magnum ammo feed and cycle perfectly. so is the bolt modified? I have not fired it yet. I am assuming it has been cut down and not chambered for the larger 38-40 cartridge. The barrel is correctly marked for this rifle and the serial number is 41168 so it is an early piece, too early for 38 special even. can someone shed some light? I have a couple dozen early marlin levers but this one is a real mystery.

Thanks in advance
ROB
"In His Grasp"
Gal 2:20

[marlinman93]

It's obviously been either rebored, or relined since a .38-40 is actually .401" and too large to use a .357" bullet. Not sure what someone did to accommodate the mag tube with a .38 or .357 rim size? Too large for a .32-20 mag tube, and too small for a .38-40 or .44-40 mag tube.
I assume it has the correct rollstamps on the top of the barrel, and if so there should be the old cartridge stamp above the chamber on top. If it has no rollstamps at all then it's likely a replacement barrel too.
Hopefully Regnier can check the serial number and tell you how it left the factory?

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

ROB;

The old factory records show your serial number as a Model 1889 that left the factory in early 1890 with a 24 inch octagon barrel in .32-20 caliber.

[darock]

thanks guys!! the barrel has correct roll stamps and the bore looks outstanding and no obvious relining. A 32-20 case is real loose in the chamber and will drop into the muzzle up to the base rim. It has trouble cycling 32-20 ammo. there is no caliber markings and the center of the rear sight dovetail is 3 15/16" forward of the receiver.(seems closer than other pics) this is the only 1889 I have currently. Maybe a re-barrel with an original barrel??? I agree lots has to have been changed, IE: ammo tube and the bolt face to run 38 special or 357 ammo. I need to get some different lead to do a bore slug test. yes, 38-40 bullets are too large to even get into the bore. Have you ever heard of such a thing as changing old rifle barrel to newer ammo? the last 35-40 years of this rifles life is known to a dear friend. and it is still octagon barreled.

[marlinman93]

Likely someone used a mag tube assembly from a newer .357 Marlin 1894. Maybe even got a modern barrel too and fitted it to the old 1889 receiver?