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  #1  
Old 07-25-2020, 04:26 PM
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Default Current production Marlin 1894?

Really itching for one of these. The pics Ive seen on line look pretty but Im yet to see one in person. Hows the fit and finish?
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Old 07-25-2020, 04:44 PM
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Be careful if it’s a new production non JM stamped bbl. I would search for a used genuine Marlin. May cost more but well worth it.
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Old 07-25-2020, 04:56 PM
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Im specifically looking for testimony from new production owners. Im asking because the new Marlins today look better than they did a few years ago...at least with stock fitment and finish. However, as I stated Im only going by pictures. Im yet to see one locally.
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Old 07-25-2020, 04:56 PM
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I have heard (but not experienced) that current production Marlins have improved over ones of a few years ago. You might want to do an internet search and look at a few youtube videos.

I was also interested in buying a Marlin about a year ago. I ended up buying a Henry .357 with the colored case hardened receiver and octagon barrel. I had concluded that there was nothing in particular wrong with the Marlin, but the looks of the Henry are what sold me. By the way, its a great lever action.
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Old 07-25-2020, 05:31 PM
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Well I did get to run a few rounds through a new one about a year back that belonged to a club member. Was a Rem built 1894 in 44 magnum. It did feed and eject fine. Wood to metal fit was fairly decent but the finish on the stock left a little to be desired. Did not look as good as the old Marlin Mar-Shield finish. Bluing could be more satin or shiny. I too wish I would have bought one 30 years back when I first handled one at an LGS. Good luck with your future purchase.
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Old 07-25-2020, 05:40 PM
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Quote:
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Be careful if it’s a new production non JM stamped bbl. I would search for a used genuine Marlin. May cost more but well worth it.
+1. While I don’t have experience with any newer Marlins- I’ve had several new production Remingtons and they were junk. If I were in your shoes I’d shop around for an older, used example.
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Old 07-25-2020, 06:12 PM
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While its true that the guns that were made after the move from the old North Haven Marlin plant to Remington facilities were pretty ugly from a workmanship standpoint, the ones coming out lately are much improved. I bought a new Marlin 45-70 rifle a year or so ago. While the finish on the wood and metal is different (less glossy more satin finish) than that on the original JM-marked Marlins there is nothing wrong with the fit, finish and function of the recent so-called "Remlin" guns. That said, look any rifle over carefully before you buy.
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Old 07-25-2020, 06:47 PM
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My only Marlin is a JM stamped 336 in 35 Remington. Drops deer like a lead balloon. Quality equipment.
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Old 07-25-2020, 06:57 PM
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I would search Hickok's videos. I watched one where he comments on the fit and finish. It was acceptable if I recall correctly.
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Old 07-25-2020, 07:03 PM
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Bought NIB 357 20 inch Marlin 1894 6 years ago, stiff action that was hard to cycle even after 400 rds, 100% different then my 1894 non crossbolt. Me... buy pre crossbolt rifle.
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Old 07-25-2020, 10:42 PM
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I bought a Marlin 1894C 357mag with the 18.5" barrel last October (2019). I agree with tndrfttom's post above. Very happy with the fit and finish and never had any malfunctions unlike my Winchester 1894 post 64 and my Desert Eagle both also in 357. It's accuracy is very good. My favorite rifle.

Last edited by jimtr6; 07-25-2020 at 10:48 PM.
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Old 07-26-2020, 01:26 AM
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From a safety standpoint, I like the cross bolt guns. When you unload them by cycling the lever, it adds a margin of safety. This is when accidental discharges usually occur.
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Old 07-26-2020, 03:10 AM
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Mine is 34 years old (JM marked) but from what I have seen lately it looks like they started to get their act together on current production. Are they as good as the originals??? I doubt it, but probably the best they've been in 10 years since the Company was sold.
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Old 07-26-2020, 04:32 PM
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Everything I have seen is that QA/QC has come back up to acceptable levels for a mass produced platform. My issue is that at least some models are made of unobtanium.
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Old 07-26-2020, 04:45 PM
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I would say the Looks/ finish on Remlins has improved some. Internals are left with burrs. The running gears are no longer milled steel the are MIM process. I had a few that guys wanted me to look at, new from Cabelas and I told them to take them back. I didn’t want to void any guarantee. One 45 Colt 94 would take a shaving off the brass as it went through loading gate.
Easy fix but you shouldn’t have to gunsmith a new gun. I think the 1894 is $600+ new, a lot of money for a kit gun. A JM pre safety in 90% goes for $800 up. I personally would look for one.
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Old 07-26-2020, 05:20 PM
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I have a relatively early production Remlin. Wood gaps were a little big as received, but as the kiln dried wood readsorbed moisture over time the gaps closed to good fitment.

Rear sight isn't tall enough for how I sight with a Buckhorn. Got a taller rear sight to fix that. That't the only mod I've done.
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Old 07-26-2020, 10:27 PM
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When did Remington close down the original plant?

I bought one in 2006-2008. It was a combo deal with the scope included. Some model 336 variation.

Shot one box and into the safe.

How do I know if mine was made by the original company?
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Old 07-26-2020, 10:35 PM
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I have a new 1894 CST. It’s the one with the threaded barrel for a suppressor. Honestly I have no complaints besides the price. It’s fit and finish is good, it shoots good, it was expensive, around a grand.
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Old 07-27-2020, 02:22 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4506517 View Post
When did Remington close down the original plant?

I bought one in 2006-2008. It was a combo deal with the scope included. Some model 336 variation.

Shot one box and into the safe.

How do I know if mine was made by the original company?
I’m not 100% but....
Look on the barrel, if it is stamped JM it was made in CT. If stamped REM it was made in Ilion NY.
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