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

333 Jeffery
333 Jeffery

Behind the Bullet: The .333 Jeffery

Delve into the history of one of the most fascinating cartridges from the golden era of hunting—the .333 Jeffery.

First Look: ALPS Mountaineering Reservoir 3.0

ALPS Mountaineering has introduced the Reservoir 3.0 hydration bladder. The Reservoir 3.0 features an anti-microbial IonPure treatment that helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, keeping the hydration system fresher between uses.

Cape Buffalo Hunt: The Measure of Memories

It takes too much time, effort and money to hunt Cape buffalo to rush a shot.

New for 2026: Sightmark Strikon VMP 1-4x22mm

Sightmark has released the Strikon VMP 1-4x22mm SFP Fiber V2 Prismatic Riflescope, an updated version of its original variable magnification prismatic sight developed in direct response to shooter feedback.

10 Most Versatile Long-Range Hunting Cartridges

Here’s a look at 10 of the most flexible long-range hunting cartridges.

First Look: Auto-Ordnance "Land of the Free" 250th Anniversary 1911

Auto-Ordnance, in collaboration with the artisans at Koted Arms, has announced the release of the "Land of the Free" 1911, a striking custom stainless pistol honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.