New Marlin Lever Rifles? How are they? Have they fixed their issues?

I have no experience with them, but I am very interested in seeing the responses. I have been thinking about a Marlin 1894CB for a while. I've read a few encouraging reviews on other forums lately.

HoosierQ said:

Have they fixed all that mess from a few years ago? Canted barrels and all that? I've seen a nice one in .357 which is exactly what I want. I am wondering if they got over their production hurdles here in 2018 and if they are worth getting again?

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I bought this one last summer and based on my experience with it as compared to my older JM stamped Marlins it is their equal or better.



This specific model is Marlin/Remingtons (Remlins??) newest model 94 in 357 magnum/38 Special and is unique in that it has a threaded muzzle for suppressor use:



With regards to fit, finish and overall quality of build I would say it as good as anything the older Marlin Company produced.

The stock is laminated wood with a black textured finish that is tough and durable and should wear well.

Barrel orientation is correct, sights perfectly aligned, wood to metal fit is very good, all screws were tight right out of the box, muzzle threading is concentric to the bore, skinner rear sight is easily adjustable with a very large apeture and centered on the top of the reciever, trigger pull is very good by 21st century standards and the rear sight dovetail comes with a factory (blued) dovetail blank.

The front sight is tall so as to clear the suppressor and the rear sight has enough elevation to zero the gun with subsonic ammo out to 100 yards.

I have run handloaded 158 SWC and 200 grain RN subsonic ammo through this rifle and had no problems with feed and function irrespective of bullet type.

The action is smooth with no hitches or glitches in operation and I haven’t had an issue with 38 or 357 magnum ammo functionality and it doesn’t seem to be picky about the cartridge OAL as long as it falls between the the two (38 special and 357 COAL).

Accuracy is very good but with the rear sight aperture being so large it’s a little difficult for me to shoot bughole groups with it using my 55 year old eyes but if I bear down real hard and squint the front sight post into a clear a sight picture as possible it’ll Group my handloads into 2” at 75 yards.

I am contemplating a red dot sight for this one but can’t seem to pull th trigger on that purchase just yet.

So, reference the original question, has Remlin sorted out their issues? I’d say (based on this sample of one rifle) yes.

A few more pics:

I bought new Marlins 336W 30-30 & 1895CB 45-70,this year and love them both.

My 336Y is a few years old and is pretty baddass. I put a Weaver scope on it.

A friend recently bought a new .45-70. Awesome rifle. Zero issues.

Marlinowners.com

My 1895 has two different types of wood for stocks but that’s it.

Can't speak to the new Marlins as I will only buy a rifle I've examined in person ... I strongly desire a lever-action in .357 Magnum, but every single "Remlin" I've examined in the past year has displayed cosmetic issues that prevent me from buying the gun. The wood on the recent production Marlins ... is just not attractive. The grain on the foreends and buttstocks don't match, just looks cheap. And the new finish on the receivers and barrels doesn't compare to the old-production models. Hell, I've got an old Wal-Mart JM-marked 336W with a pretty birch stock and great bluing that looks terrific. Maybe I'm too picky, but every 1894 and 1895 I've looked at lately doesn't pass the eye test.

Just got a Marlin 1895 CB a month or so ago and love it. Wood is much better than expected and while the fit isn’t perfect, it’s more than acceptable. I’m working up loads now, but I’ve no doubt it’ll be a good hunting rifle. I did add a buttpad though as that model comes with a phenolic baseplate.

I have a Remlin 1895 bought 3 years ago, and it is well put together with straight sights, good wood to metal fit, smooth cycling, etc. I've put around 400 rounds through it, mostly reloads and it works great. I would certainly consider another one!

I seems that they have gotten better. There was a time that they were putting out some mess up rifles. This drove up the prices of the older used rifles. It is good to see that Remington/Marlin has gotten it act together.

New Marlin Lever Rifles? How are they? Have they fixed their issues?

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That would depend on which model Marlin. Whoever it is on the shop floor responsible for their stainless steel barrels and receivers isn't paying attention. I purchased a new model, one never seen before until recently, a Model 1894 SBL and there are several issues with the piece that I have decided to correct on my own, rather than send it back and go without it, then to have it returned uncorrected with a note saying "It's fine". There are reports of this.

I'll have more in a later post but I will say that when it comes to revolver-caliber lever carbines, I like nothing better than a Marlin 1894. I own three.

I hope the new ones are good.

One of my bigest regrets was having to sell my 1894 in 357 and I'd love to get a new one if they are good

Love my 30-30 336.

My late model 1895 is much nicer than any of my JM stamped guns.