Remlin 1894 short review...

1stmar

New member
I had been looking for an 1894 in 357, preferably a north haven marlin. Watching them go for $850-$1050 on gunbroker, and in questionable shape... Had me looking elsewhere. I had read several bad comments on the new models but had also read that they were improving. Despite that I could not find a new one to get my hands on an inspect for myself. Ultimately I found an 1894 at gander mountains website, used but no details other than in very good condition. I called gander mountain to see if they could provide any details (specifically if it was a jm barrel) but they could not. Since the price was fair ($600) I figured I'd take a gamble, there was a 3 day inspection period so risk was minimal. I picked up the rifle on Friday and as soon as I opened the box I knew it was not a north haven model. It was still in the original box, warranty card, packing and owners manual. I looked it over and it didn't appear to have much use. The loading gate has only a few slight marks from rounds being loaded, stock was in excellent shape as was the bluing. By my estimation, probably less than 50 rounds through it. I took it home and proceeded to go through it and examine it deeper. Stock was ok, small gaps between the metal and wood in the butt stock but nothing to excessive. The buckhorn sight was clearly off center to the right by a significant margin (also leading me to believe it had not been shot much). I tapped it over to center it and cleaned it. I couldn't help but notice all the razor sharp edges. The edges of the lever, the sides of the bolt and frame through which the bolt travels. The action was ok, no where near as smooth as my jm 336cs but it was virtually new, so I figured it would break in. The checkering on the stock was quite serviceable and well done. The bluing was consistent and also well done. Overall I was satisfied with the cosmetics though slightly disappointed in the buttstock fitting but truly not a big deal. It's not a show piece. The trigger is heavy but reasonably crisp, I'd estimate 6.5lbs give or take 1/2lb. After a good cleaning and lube, I was ready for the range. It was very windy today, 25mph winds. The target stand blew over 4-5 times even with weights on the base, ultimately put a piece of concrete on the base only to have the cardboard blow off a time or two. I started at 25 yards using the buckhorn sights (which I hate). Initially 3" left and low I proceeded to dial in and felt comfortable moving out to 50yards. I was using my reloads, 158gr xtp over 7.6gr of unique. Out of the first 15 rounds I had 3-4 cases that would not extract. They were the only failures I had, it's possible the load is a little too hot or the chamber is very tight. I did not experience any other failures besides those 3-4 fte. The day was overcast so visibility was not great but I frequently shot 5 shot groups of 1.5" at 50. Not great, but I was satisfied given the wind, low light and how uncomfortable I was with the buckhorn. I'm reasonable confident I can shrink that to @1" with a good peep (looking at the Williams). The action seemed to smooth up a bit, I only fired about 50 rounds, but it was very enjoyable to shoot. I did get cut while trying to remove some of the cases that did not extract. in the end I am very pleased with the rifle. The only gripe I have is the sharp edges. It may not be a jm but I'd buy again.
 
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Congratulations on the new Marlin 1894. I have a total of 5 Marlin Lever Guns. I have 2 Remington made Marlins and 3 JM made Marlins. I have found that the Remington Marline are every bit as good as my JM I am happy with all my Marlins. The only thing that I wish that Marlin would bring back is the Side Holes on the Receiver for the Williams and Lyman peep sights. The Williams FP sight is by far my favorite sight. I have the Williams FP on 3 of my Marlins, even on my 45/70 that I drilled and tapped myself for the Williams FP sight. The other Marlins are wearing the Skinner Peep sights, they are also very well made and work very well. I also have an XS Ghost ring sight with a scope rail included on my 44. They are all good sights for my aging eye's.
 
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I don't see any date on the barrel, either side. I see a #5 on the left side very close to the receiver but that's all.
 
I've got two `94s: A transition 45 Colt that (very much) needed a HAPPY TRIGGER, and (newer) 44Mag that did not.
Happy Trigger was very straightforward. `Don't know why Marlin just doesn't install them as matter of course)
***
In general, Marlin levers are "back" ;)

.
 
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paragraphs. My eyes were screaming at me to stop by the time I reached the end.

Always good to have a company coming back. Hopefully more reviews like this follow. Even a broke clock is right twice a day after all.
 
I'll look again but I don't recall seeing anything like this. Are you sure this applies to Remington subs, such as marlin?
 
Are you sure this applies to Remington subs, such as marlin?

As I said...

If it was indeed made by Remington, it should have the date code...

Or at least all Marlins that I have seen since Remington took over have been marked...

Some are not marked well, but the mark is there...

I am just wondering where your gun falls in the timeline of takeover/1894 lines shutting down/and restarting...

What is the rollmark on the barrel (address etc.)?
 
It's not a date stamp it's a two letter code... should be on left side of barrel near the frame.
 
I also asked what the rollmark on the barrel says...

That will include an address, model designation, etc...

There were some very early Remington made guns that used North Haven stamped barrels as they cleaned up parts...

Is the barrel REP or JM proof marked?

Any/all of these clues can help in determining when your gun was made...
 
The gun is not a jm as I mentioned it was not made in north haven, it was made in ilion ny. The stamp is pretty typical manufacturer location ilion New York with model and caliber below it.
 
After reading this post my interest peeked and I had to look at mine. Mine has the REP with a K on the right side of the barrel. I wish the Remington would have kept the Marlin date codes. They are a whole lot easier to decipher. Remington codes you always are wondering what the letter is on about half of them because the stamping is not always the easiest to read.
 
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