First Look: Ruger Marlin 1894 Classic Lever Action

by
posted on June 26, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Marlin 1894 On White Both Sides

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. has announced the reintroduction of the Marlin 1894 Classic chambered in .44 Magnum, which still retains all of the gun's traditional characteristics. “We’re very excited to introduce our first Ruger-made Marlin 1894,” said Ruger president and CEO, Chris Killoy. “We have spent many months working to make this rifle the best it can be.”

Marlin1894 on white

Features

The Marlin 1894 Classic sports a beautifully finished American black-walnut straight stock and fore-end, on which clean and crisp checkering accentuates both aesthetics and utility. Satin blued and featuring a square finger lever, this alloy-steel rifle is equipped with a 20-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel with six-groove rifling and a 1:20-inch twist rate. An adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight pairs well with a hooded front brass bead for quick acquisition, though the receiver is drilled and tapped for the addition of a more precise optic. Also capable of shooting the lighter-recoiling .44 Special, the Marlin 1894 is equipped with a tubular magazine that will accept 10 rounds of .44 Magnum , or 11 rounds of .44 Special. A soft rubber buttpad tames what recoil there is, while a half-cock hammer and a manual cross-bolt safety can be used to make the gun safe. All this functionality weighs in at 6.4-pounds, empty.

Marlin 1894

“Our focus continues to be on quality,” continued Killoy. “We remain committed to making firearms worthy of John Marlin’s legacy. The fit and finish of this rifle is reminiscent of what was produced by Marlin craftsmen in New Haven, CT many decades ago.” The Ruger-made 1894 Classic is marked “Mayodan, NC,” bears an “RM” or Ruger-made serial number prefix, and features the red and white “bullseye” in the stock.

Additional models in different calibers and configurations will be released throughout the coming year. For more information on the Marlin 1894 Classic, and any other Marlin models, visit marlinfirearms.comMSRP: $1,239

Latest

Photo 01 Lead
Photo 01 Lead

Ammo Trends: Things are Getting Smaller … Again

Is bigger always better? Or does precision triumph over all? The ammo world will likely never agree. Nonetheless, Philip Massaro takes a look at the latest downsizing trend. 

Bagging Birds: How to Hit More Doves

No one wants to be the butt of jokes from friends on the dove field. Read our tips to be the hot shooter on the field this season.

Good News for Migratory Game Bird Hunters

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is finalizing a streamlined process for authorizing seasonal migratory game bird hunting that will allow seasons to be authorized earlier, providing sportsmen, states and tribes greater certainty for planning. The changes will also reduce unnecessary federal rulemaking.

Upcoming Upland Season to be One for the Books

In Nebraska and Texas, timely rains have laid the groundwork for an excellent upland season.

Don’t Glance At Elk Wallows … Study Them

Curious about how to read an elk wallow? Follow along as Scott Haugen translates this important signpost for you.

New for 2026: Woox Elegante Hybrid Bolt Action Stock

Woox has introduced its new Elegante Hybrid bolt action rifle stock. The Hybrid was designed and engineered for hunters who looking for modern precision without giving up the feel and carry of a traditional bolt-action hunting rifle.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.