Pistol caliber Marlin levers

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 1:18 am

Here's a picture of my old Marlin pistol caliber leverguns.

From left to right-
1888 in .38-40 24" octagon
1894 transition carbine (1889 barrel, receiver, letters as 1894)
1889 .38-40 28" octagon
1889 .38-40 deluxe 24" octagon
1894 .32-20 28" octagon
1894 .44-40 28" octagon
1894 .32-20 takedown, 24" round
'94 .44-40 24" octagon (unusual casehardened bolt)
1894 .44-40 deluxe 24" round
1894 .25-20 takedown 20" half octagon

Post by **Old Savage** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 1:21 am

Very nice collection. I have seen few rifles like those.

JReed · Post by **JReed** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 1:26 am

Great pics Val now I need to go clean my keyboard

.

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 7:30 am

Wow...real nice stuff....

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 7:40 am

I'm speechless

WOW

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 8:25 am

Ohhh, MAN !

Excellante', Vall

Now, How do I get something like those on my Christmas wish list ?

Dastook · Post by **Dastook** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 9:03 am

I have never seen anything quite like that for one very lucky man. Thanks for posting.

WOW

3855 · Post by **3855** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 9:10 am

Beautiful guns.

DDude · Post by **DDude** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 9:18 am

We need a smiley that is drooling. Sweet collection.

jdad · Post by **jdad** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 9:30 am

You're running out of floor space to take pictures Vall.

Haycock · Post by **Haycock** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 9:35 am

That is nothing short of inspiring! Makes me want to keep on keepin' on collecting!

airedaleman · Post by **airedaleman** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 9:37 am

Oh, boy! They are really fine firearms. A couple bring back memories of my salad days. Could you give us a rundown on the transition carbine?
Never heard of one before.

Borregos · Post by **Borregos** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 9:52 am

NICE

Modoc ED · Post by **Modoc ED** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 10:04 am

Very very nice. I really like that Deluxe 24" round.

Comal Forge · Post by **Comal Forge** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 10:27 am

I second everyone's comments. I have always been partial to Marlins because my first real rifle was a model 39 I was given as a small boy. You have a GREAT collection - I had a 32-20 and a 25-20 which were both 24" rifles.

Another thought: I have been to some of the major arms makers factories on business and while Winchester has (or had) a huge collection in their hallways, I can't recall that Marlin displayed very many classics, which I always thought was a shame. If you ever decided to part with your collection, it would be good if they could be kept together, perhaps in a museum setting for posterity. There are so many people these days that think a Marlin is just a fish...

CEMENTHEAD · Post by **CEMENTHEAD** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 10:51 am

Color me GREEN with envy! Nice collection, Thanks, Tom

kimwcook · Post by **kimwcook** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 10:54 am

Very nice. A group of Marlins anyone would be proud to own. If you ever get tired of that Deluxe 44-40 you can send it to me and I'll love it forever.

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 11:20 am

Man, What can I say? WOW!

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 11:22 am

We need to start posting drool warnings! Great family!!!

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 12:29 pm

I am in AWE

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 1:40 pm

Vall,

Each of those has a story to tell. I wish they could talk.

I'm not jealous, but I'd sure like to shoot a couple of those for the fun of it.

Keep the pics coming, love to look at 'em.

Joe

Bogie35 · Post by **Bogie35** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 3:53 pm

Wow! Are you a levergunner? I can't tell from the photos.

AWESOME collection!

Humbly,
bogie

JeffG · Post by **JeffG** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 4:15 pm

Wow Vall, sure glad you got your camera out for the 39A stocks!! These are beautiful...makes a guy want to save his money, so he could spend it on rigs like these!!

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 7:16 pm

airedaleman wrote:Oh, boy! They are really fine firearms. A couple bring back memories of my salad days. Could you give us a rundown on the transition carbine?
Never heard of one before.

First let me say thanks to all! Very kind comments.
Mike,
The 1894 "transition" gun is an unusual one indeed. I used that terminology, because that is what Bill Brophy called it when I asked his opinion on "what the heck do I have here?"
It was bewildering when I got it, as I thought it was a "parts gun", due to the 1889 barrel and frame, but 1894 lower tang. But when I disassembled it to clean and check it, I found all the serial numbers matched! Bill checked it in the records and said it was made in the first couple weeks of production for the 1894.
The ejector is the 1889 style, that is screwed in place. The firing pin is a one piece, like the 1889 used. The top tang is unmarked like an 1889. And the barrel has 1889 patent dates. Really the only thing that is 1894 is the lower trigger plate and lever, and the data in the records.
Bill noted that he had heard of some guns like mine, and seen numerous with 1889 barrels, but this was the first confirmed one he'd seen pictures of.

phlatnose · Post by **phlatnose** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 7:35 pm

Never been much of a marlin guy myself, but that is a nice bunch. I like the 44-40 with the 28" barrel.
How much would one have to pay for something like that??

Terry Murbach · Post by **Terry Murbach** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 7:45 pm

WE'RE GONNA START A NEW FUND TO RAISE SOME CASH FOR YOU SO YOU CAN GET RID OF ALL THAT OLD TRASH AND BUY NEW GUNS. MAYBE WE'LL JUST LET YOU KEEP TO GO POUND INTO THE GARDEN AND GROW TOMATOES ON 'EM COME SPRING. I KNOW HOW EMBARRASSING IT MUST BE FOR YOU AND THE FAMILY. SO THINK ABOUT HOW PROUD YOU'LL FEEL WITH A DOZEN ALL NEW MARLINS WITH SAFETY'S ON 'EM AND REBOUNDING HAMMERS SO YOU DON'T SHOOT YORE butt OFF.
IT'S THE LEAST WE CAN DO FOR YOU IN THE CHRISTMAS SEASON. I JUST FEEL SO GOOD INSIDE ALREADY.

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 7:49 pm

phlatnose wrote:Never been much of a marlin guy myself, but that is a nice bunch. I like the 44-40 with the 28" barrel.
How much would one have to pay for something like that??

The longer the barrel, the bigger the price tag. That particular 94 still has some case colors, and most of the original barrel bluing, and a perfect bore, plus great wood. With a standard 24" barrel it would bring $1200-$1500, and usually a 20%-30% premium for the long barrel.
The 1889 with 28" barrel has little finish left, and was under $1,000. So condition sure helps on these old Marlins.

Jayhawker · Post by **Jayhawker** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 8:03 pm

Very nice collection. Have to remember to close my mouth so I don't start drooling.

airedaleman · Post by **airedaleman** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 9:58 pm

Vall,
Thanks a bunch for the explanation of the transition 1894. I don't have any Marlins now (and no prospects of ever getting any), but I do intend to latch on to a copy of Brophy's book. I wish it had been available 45 years ago.

shawn_c992001 · Post by **shawn_c992001** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 10:42 pm

I need my hanky I've drooled all over my keyboard.

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 10:56 pm

Terry Murbach wrote:WE'RE GONNA START A NEW FUND TO RAISE SOME CASH FOR YOU SO YOU CAN GET RID OF ALL THAT OLD TRASH AND BUY NEW GUNS. MAYBE WE'LL JUST LET YOU KEEP TO GO POUND INTO THE GARDEN AND GROW TOMATOES ON 'EM COME SPRING. I KNOW HOW EMBARRASSING IT MUST BE FOR YOU AND THE FAMILY. SO THINK ABOUT HOW PROUD YOU'LL FEEL WITH A DOZEN ALL NEW MARLINS WITH SAFETY'S ON 'EM AND REBOUNDING HAMMERS SO YOU DON'T SHOOT YORE butt OFF.
IT'S THE LEAST WE CAN DO FOR YOU IN THE CHRISTMAS SEASON. I JUST FEEL SO GOOD INSIDE ALREADY.

If I pound them into the ground, will they grow more Marlins Terry?

jorgy · Post by **jorgy** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 3:41 am

Vall nice bunch of '94's. The 94 deluxe in 44-40 is a super scarce gun.
I know they made them but never seen one or had the opportunity to
buy one. Put my name on that one if ever decide to sell. Have ever seen
a deluxe 94 in 38-40? The 94 TD's are hard to find also. I looked for a
38/40 TD for 10 years before I bought one. I still need a 25/20 TD. Was
one on gunbroker.com last week an early one but it had swivels added.
I have a PG 1894 in 32/20 & 25/20 but not 38/40 or 44/40. I aslo have
a 30" 25/20 round barrel full mag. I have TD's in 32/20, 38/40, & 44/40.
Very nice bunch of Marlins! You should really share your good fortune.
Jorgy.

cowboykell · Post by **cowboykell** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 6:41 am

Hey Jorgy - Post some pics of all your deluxe Marlin 1893s and 1895s. You don't have to take a back seat to anyone !

gon2shoot · Post by **gon2shoot** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 7:16 am

Boy, would I like to see that pic. Unfortunatly I'm on the wifes computer and she has those types of pictures blocked. Says they're addicting.

oregon73 · Post by **oregon73** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 9:40 am

NICE collection of Marlins. Wow!

Rob

ceb · Post by **ceb** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 10:06 am

Marlinman, ifin your just gonna leave rifles like that just laying around like that....I'd be glad to shoot them for ya!

Beautiful rifles, I wish I could run across something like that.

brucew44guns · Post by **brucew44guns** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 10:20 am

It is more than just eye appeal to me when I see a collection of nice rifles such as you have here. I appreciate too, the fact that you were willing to sacrifice your money to buy them, you've had the character to keep them a long time no doubt, and you care for them nicely. You must have a supportive wife who backs you in this sort of thing as well. Good on you my friend, I hope another nice collectible Marlin comes your way real soon to add to these. Bruce

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 12:31 pm

jorgy wrote:Vall nice bunch of '94's. The 94 deluxe in 44-40 is a super scarce gun.
I know they made them but never seen one or had the opportunity to
buy one. Put my name on that one if ever decide to sell. Have ever seen
a deluxe 94 in 38-40? The 94 TD's are hard to find also. I looked for a
38/40 TD for 10 years before I bought one. I still need a 25/20 TD. Was
one on gunbroker.com last week an early one but it had swivels added.
I have a PG 1894 in 32/20 & 25/20 but not 38/40 or 44/40. I aslo have
a 30" 25/20 round barrel full mag. I have TD's in 32/20, 38/40, & 44/40.
Very nice bunch of Marlins! You should really share your good fortune.
Jorgy.

Thanks jorgy! I appreciate the comments, especially knowing the quality of your Marlin collection!
I have not seen a 94 deluxe in .38-40 before. This was the first .44-40 deluxe I had the opportunity to purchase, as previous ones have all been either .25-20 or .32-20. Like you, I've waited for a .25-20 takedown for a long time. Still need takedowns in .4-40 and .38-40 to be complete.
My 1894 takedown in .32-20 also has sling eyes, but they are the factory sling eyes that use the hook swivels like a lot of early Marlins and Winchesters. -Vall

jorgy · Post by **jorgy** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 6:36 pm

The 94 TD in 32-20 you mentioned did that one come from Leroy Merz?
I had 2 44/40 TD's at one time but sold one. That one came from Merz's.
I bought a house this spring so I had to pare down my Marlin collection
some. Those oldies are better than money in the bank & if you buy 'em
& sell 'em right they make a lot better interest too. I also have in my collection an 1894 44/40 with 30" oct brl I neglected to mention in my
earlier post. Merry Xmas! Jorgy

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 6:50 pm

Man! nice. Those old levers get my blood moving better than any woman could. --------------Sixgun

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 10:17 pm

jorgy wrote:The 94 TD in 32-20 you mentioned did that one come from Leroy Merz?
I had 2 44/40 TD's at one time but sold one. That one came from Merz's.
I bought a house this spring so I had to pare down my Marlin collection
some. Those oldies are better than money in the bank & if you buy 'em
& sell 'em right they make a lot better interest too. I also have in my collection an 1894 44/40 with 30" oct brl I neglected to mention in my
earlier post. Merry Xmas! Jorgy

WoW! A 30" barreled 94! Now I'm envious! I too love long barreled Marlin levers, and I've never seen a 94 with a 30" barrel!
Yes, the .32-20 takedown came from Merz! That one has a funny story behind it. His catalog said it had "an extra screw in the trigger plate, near the forearm". When I called him, Leroy went and got the gun to see what the "extra screw was" He came back laughing, and said one of his novice helpers had thought the forward triggerplate screw was not factory, thus the "extra screw"! It turned out to be 100% original, and with lots of original finish, at a cheap price for a takedown with no mods.

jdad · Post by **jdad** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 10:28 pm

That 28" 44-40 I sold MM93 was originally purchased from Merz also.

Pistol caliber Marlin levers

Pistol caliber Marlin levers

pistol cartridge rifles

collection of old Marlins