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.com. MSRP: $1,239

Latest

Hunter At Daybreak
Hunter At Daybreak

5 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before My First Elk Hunt

I grew up hunting whitetails in the Midwest, and while I thought I was in “elk shape” on my first western hunt, I quickly learned that chasing elk at high elevation requires an entirely different level of fitness. You’ll likely hike for hours, oftentimes at high elevation, and many of trails you’ll follow are filled with deadfall and uneven rocks. If you’re fortunate enough to fill your tag, the real work starts. 

Ruger Halts Production of Several Models

On Oct. 13 Ruger issued a memo to distributors informing them that after an exhaustive internal review of its product portfolio—that weighed demand, manufacturing expense and complexity—production of four revolvers has been halted. Pending orders were cancelled. 

Head to Head: The 6.5 PRC vs. the 7mm PRC

Hornady's Precision Rifle Cartridge series has been a hit among hunters and target shooters alike, and within the lineup, the 6.5 PRC and the 7mm PRC have proven to be extremely popular. Let’s take a closer look into what makes this pair tick, and which might make the best choice for you.

Arizona Asks Public to Look Out for New World Screwworm

On Sept. 17 the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)—working with the New Mexico Livestock Board and New Mexico Department of Agriculture—announced that a horse was identified with a New World screwworm (NWS) infested wound in Grant County, N.M, which borders southern Arizona.

Smart Optics 101

Smart optics are changing the way hunters and shooters approach distance, accuracy and confidence in the field. Rangefinding riflescopes, dial-up turrets and integrated ballistic systems are no longer gimmicks. They work, but only if you take the time to understand them and use them to their full potential.

Says Me: The Egalitarian Elk Hunt

Editor in Chief Scott Olmsted's ode to the great American elk hunt. 

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.