A Massive Marlin lever gun

[jdad]

I know it's out of character for me to buy a centerfire, but this was pretty cool. Model 1881, 40-60, 28" barrel, weighs a ton, and has a bore that's a whole lot better than the exterior. Dates to 1889.

[Modoc ED]

Cool rifle. Even if it's out of character for you to have one, maybe it'll bring some extra enjoyment to you.

[Nobody]

[Leverluver]

Now straighten me out here, the Marlin 40-60 is the same case as the Winchester 40-65. Is that correct? If so, that's cool that there won't be any big scanvenger hunt for cases. I looked at an 81 in 45-70 back 35 years ago when they sold at reasonable prices. I think he wanted $275 for it in real great shape. Like you said though, the thing weighs a ton and I couldn't envision carrying it in the woods. The 81 is a beautiful rifle though. The only Marlin I ever wanted. Congratulations.

[kimwcook]

Very nice. Looking forward to the range report.

[otteray]

A Marlin 1881 40-60. Very nice score, indeed. Congratulations on your new shooter!
Is the serial number below 600?

[KirkD]

Love that rifle! You can tell that it earned its keep and knew and old timer or two. A fine old gun with an honorable history.

[Bridger]

I'm envious. lol

[marlinman93]

That's even better than you described! I think you better keep it for cowboy silhouette shooting! That weight will really help hold on target!

[6pt-sika]

Very very nice

[pokey]

vuja-de feels like i've told you this before.

nice rifle, even if it is a marlin.

[jdad]

Is the serial number below 600?

Nope, it's a later gun......1889.

[Ysabel Kid]

Very, very cool!

[hondo1892]

Really cool rifle. I'd like a light weight 81 in 38-55.

[Pete44ru]

Congrats !

Be careful, though - What with you being "used to" rimfires, and all......... That puppy kin take yore head clean off at the shoulders - from both ends !

.

[jdad]

Congrats !

Be careful, though - What with you being "used to" rimfires, and all......... That puppy kin take yore head clean off at the shoulders - from both ends !

.

I know of the "evil" that you speak of. I used to shoot a 45-70, in big bore silhouette. I decided the day after my 2nd state final, an 80 shot match (ouch!), that a 30-30 was about my max.

[GEOFF]

Jdad,

Great to see the new purchase. Right in there with my .40-60 1881 Marlin, mines around 19000 serial number.

I'll sure be interested to hear how she shoots and the loads you decide on. I have shot mine a lot with 5744 using .406 diameter bullets. Marlinman 93 gave me some great advice years ago regarding the 1881. I was worried that the action might be weak or prone to problems, mm93 told me it was actually quite robust and after shooting a few thousand rounds thru my 1881's I would totally agree. John Marlin was a talented man to get Burgess and his team together and get that 1881 into production before Winchester could get a levergun working in .45-70 length cartridges!!!!!!

Geoff

[C. Cash]

I really like the look of the frame on those old Marlins. Something very classy about them. After you carry an M-60, everything is a featherweight!