Marlin Quality Improving?

T

Trum4n1208

New member
Howdy all,

I was browsing online when I came across the Marlin 1895CB in .45-70, and I've gotta say, I was infatuated. It's just a good looking rifle, you know? But of course, I figured if it's a recent Marlin then it probably has its issues. So I went looking for reviews, and found one on Gunblast.com from Jan. 2014 (if I recall correctly) where the author said that he had noticed a increase in Marlin quality.

So I just wanted to ask y'all, see if Marlin has been kicking things up a notch or not. This is kind of a moot point, as it'll be a little while before I get another rifle, but I figured I could go ahead and ask.

Thanks!
 
Well, the key here, if buying online (via FFL of course), is the *return policy*. You don't know how long it's been lying around in inventory, so an inspection period with a generous return policy is a must on Remington-Marlins, since so many lemons did go out.
 
I'm picking up a "Remlin" 1985 GBL in 45-70 I purchased online either Tomorrow or Wednesday (Hopefully tomorrow)...it's new production so I'll let you know what the quality is like when I get my hands on it. I'll be throwing a safety delete with saddle ring, one-piece scope mount & Redfield Revenge 2-7x34 Scope on mine also...hopefully this makes a nice Hog killing gun...
 
Been keeping a pretty close eye on Marlin, quality has been steadily improving.
However, as was mentioned above...check it. Might get an older 2005-2013 NOS.
And I mean check it like an unknown brand rifle at a yard sale...
Inspect Everything. Start with the crown and work back to the butt. SLOWLY.
Check that the barrel is indexed properly, or at least in a beneficial manner ;)
Fit & Finish...all moving parts...sight alignment...everything.

I feel that the current 2014/15's are at least equal to the ones made in the 1990's.
Given that most MFR's are currently treating the end-user as a Final Stage Tester...
careful inspection, Very Careful and Meticulous Inspection, is called for.
If it ain't right, don't accept it. Make sure you have delivery to an FFL who allows inspection.
Use snap caps to test function :)
Then after taking delivery, as soon as possible Go Shoot It.
Do NOT dilly-dally. You need to know if it performs well under fire.

if an issue turns up after delivery, call Marlin. Again, don't fart around.
Get it done that day/next day. Remember to be nice to the CSR on the phone.
Honey gets more flies than Vinager. Marlin CS will issue a shipping label.
Meanwhile, YOU write down everything you talked to the CSR about,
and anything you forgot, & stick it in the box, wrapped around the rifle.
Sometimes the Tech does not get all the notes from the CSR,
so the note covers your butt, and the rifles ;)
Do the above with ANY repair sent to ANY company!! It'll save you tons of grief :)

Got really good as navigating Customer Service after dealing with Ruger multiple times...
had to send one rifle back three times before it finally got resolved...
sometimes you are the windshield...sometimes you are the bug ;)
 
I can't attest to current quality, but I can say that I have a Marlin 1895CB in 45-70 and I love it. I put Skinner sights on it and it is a great shooter as well as looking good.

I will also repeat that I would want to see it in person and check the sights for alignment as well as fit/finish.

They are great rifles as far as I am concerned.
 
I've got a JM rigged like Squirrelman's, and it's a sweet shooter. I would very closely inspect any Remlin. Some were sent out with canted sights, or even cracks between the barrel and mag tube. Caveat emptor.
 
I have a 2013 production 1895G, and it's flawless. Actually, I bought 2 at the same time, the other was a gift. Both have been flawless.
 
I looked at several Marlins at the local Walmart stores in Arkansas, nothing I looked at would encourage me to buy a Marlin even with Remington now in control.. I checked the bore on several rifles with a military bore gauge with several measuring .302", I have no idea what type rifling the barrels have now. I purchased a Marlin for my grandson in 2013, after a closer inspection before the current deer season opened I wish I hadn't purchased it. I have no idea if Remington can or will remedy the current production issues with quality. I hate what has happened to Marlin, a 30/30 Marlin was the first center fire rifle I purchased for myself after completing my (3) year enlistment in the Army in 1965. I remember I purchased the rifle from Aldens of Chicago and received the rifle in about two weeks. I couldn't wait to shoot the rifle and when I did I found the sights were spot on, no adjustment was needed.. Once a Company has lost the trust of it's customers it's virtually impossible to regain that trust again.. Remington has a difficult task ahead and that is putting it mildly.. I should mention the two lever rifles I own are both Winchesters, Model 9422 and a Model 94 AE in .307, both shoot well and quality is outstanding.. William
 
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I checked all the Marlins in both a Cabelas and a Sportsman's Warehouse, and the one thing I noticed compared to my pre remington 94 CL was the checkering was a bit shoddy.
 
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