Been a while. Just got a nice 1894 Marlin 44-40.....

[hightime]

I love the old Marlins. Up 'tip now I just had the newer 1895 Cowboy 45-70. Today I put down payment on an 1894 octagon 44-40'in great shape. I'm thinking from he early 1930's sn 533, with no prefix.
I won't ask you what it worth, because I always pay too much, but can you tell me anything else about it. Do I have the production date about right?
I hope to shoot a deer with this gun. I've had good luck with my 44-40 loads in my Henry repro.
Thanks, Owen

[AJMD429]

Congratulations...!

My Marlin 1894 in 44 Mag is of 'modern' (pre-remlin) vintage, but is my favorite deer-getter. The 44-40 has more charm, plenty of oomph, and probably feeds more reliably.

[hfcable]

serial # 533 ? must be missing a digit, that would make it an 1881 marlin, made before 1883.

[hightime]

Can someone explain this? Yes it's stamped clearly 533. The gun shop said without a suffix it was from the thirties.
Owen

[hfcable]

it sounds like a nice gun ! here is the link to dates:

http://oldguns.net/sn_php/marlinlookup.php

maybe it has a serial number elsewhere on the receiver. most production of the 1894 was probably much earlier than the 30s' I have a nice one made about 1901. some pictures would help esp of the serial #

[hightime]

I put it on lay away, but now that I've told my wife, I guess I could go get it tomorrow. Then I'll have pictures.

[hfcable]

very good. they are nice rifles ..... mine is a 25/20 short rifle.

[Bronco]

I WANT PICTURES Please

[hightime]

Here's some pictures.

[hfcable]

that is a nice looking rifle ! and it looks like the real thing, but a real mystery on the serial number.

how is it marked on the upper tang? 1894 or just 94 ?

[hightime]

It says marlin model 94

[Arminius]

I know it´s OT, but would you all pls share your .44/40 HUNTING loads???

Thanks, Hermann

[hightime]

I'm not quite sure of whitetail hunting loads yet, but my loads copied from KirkD's post worked great of accuracy. He has done a great job with the 44-40 , so get it right from his posts.
Owen

[hondo1892]

That's a great looking 94. Don't worry about the price if you enjoy it.

[JerryB]

Arminius, a few months ago Jack Kort posted a bunch of data on the 44-40 loads that he had tested. I think he goes by 30wcf on the forum. Some other hear plus Kirk have good loads for that round.

[hightime]

I found out it from the twenties, a musket that the factory changed back to sell. They had their own number stamp, a notch was from cutting off a lug not needed.
When I went to shoot it, it was missing the firing pin. Who knows why, but the gun shop will fix it.
Owen

[hfcable]

[quote="hightime"]I found out it from the twenties, a musket that the factory changed back to sell. They had their own number stamp, a notch was from cutting off a lug not needed.
When I went to shoot it, it was missing the firing pin. Who knows why, but the gun shop will fix it.
Owen[/

very interesting...that solves the mystery. dang, the muskets are rare and very valuable

anyway, you have a great rifle.

[Streetstar]

Wow! Great looking rifle- i hope it shoots well for you