1881 marlin

[model55]

What can anyone tell me about these.Local store has one , double set trigger , no finish on the metal (light pitting) to speak of and a missing main spring.Bore looks good.Are these fair smooth operating rifles ? Troublesome?Should I ignore it calling me!I think with a good cleaning,spring and front sight blade it would be good to go.I'm not concerned about the finish issue because I would intend to shoot /hunt it.

[jdad]

You didn't say if it was a large frame or small frame, what caliber, pistol grip or straight grip and how much they wanted. This was Marlin's first levergun. If everything is original, set triggers work, and wood hasn't been sanded, it does have field use with BLACK POWDER or low pressure loads.

[model55]

Your right! 45-70 straight grip,original wood.Buttstock is a little loose.I figured that it would be a black powder /cast bullet load.

[1886]

I had one. Mine was in real good original shape with only a broken dog leg lever retention spring which is common. I think Wisners had the part. I shot mine with mild cast loads assembled with Trail Boss and Bear Creek Supply soft cast bullets sized .380. Velocity was around 975 fps. Fine, good shooting rifle. It lives with a collector now. Parts are available. If you have no luck here try Marlinowners. 1886.

[cat1870]

I have a small frame 1881 in .32-40. It's a great rifle & shoots quite well.

[hfcable]

mine is 45/70 and one of my favorite rifles, and very accurate! i use hodgson 777 and get accuracy, smoke, and very little fouling; if the price is reasonable grab it.
my first lever action rifle was an 1881 in 45/70, i have a different one now, but would not be without one!

[71fan]

These are nice, smooth operators when they are functioning properly. The DST makes the rifle in question even more tempting. If you plan to hunt with it you may consider the weight - these rifles are beastly. At the range it shouldn't be a problem and maybe it'll be something you like about the rifle. The caliber is a bonus as well, as many are in .40 Marlin and have very oversized bores.

I have one in .40 Marlin (40-65 wcf) with a 30" heavy barrel and DSTs. Mine has a broken carrier spring finger which is very common and will negatively affect feeding from the magazine. Mine does not feed reliably. To my knowledge there is no source for replacement carrier springs so if it is broken you will have to deal with it or have one machined (which is what I'm faced with). Defintely take a look at the carrier spring. If you don't know what to look for/at let us know and someone can describe it to you...it's very easy to inspect once you know what to look for.

I wish I could report how the 1881 shoots, but I haven't been able to shoot mine yet. The .413 bore makes finding bullets quite difficult, and the broken carrier spring needs to be addressed.

Keep us posted on whatever you decide. Good luck.