Another Old Lever Rifle

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I really should know better than to walk into a Cabelas.

A couple of weeks ago I went to the local Cabelas to get some winter socks. Really.

Then I made the mistake of wandering into the Gun Library.

Lots of stuff that did not interest me. Then I saw an old Marlin lever rifle. It was marked as a 38-40 Model 1894, but a quick glance told me it was not a Model 1894. The lever on a Model 1894 is pretty distinctive, and this was definitely not a Model 1894. I was not sure exactly which model it was, but I did not have my copy of Brophy book on Marlins handy.

So I asked to see the rifle. While I was examining it I saw they had a copy of Brophy's book. Turns out it was a model 1889. This was the first Marlin to feature side ejection, just like every Marlin lever gun has ever since. In fact, this was a big selling point with Marlin, because all the Winchesters always ejected through the top. A quick search of Marlin Serial numbers revealed this one had been made in 1891. Yes, it is chambered for 38-40.

This puppy seemed to have a problem with the trigger.

Side note: according to Cabelas' new policy, I was not allowed to take the trigger lock off. How am I supposed to determine if the trigger is OK I asked? I could work the lever, but with a trigger lock on it I could not pull the trigger to let the hammer down. We finally compromised by the sales guy removing the trigger lock and placing the muzzle into a bullet trap. He insisted he had to keep one hand on the barrel to make sure it stayed in the bullet trap. I could then pull the trigger (letting the hammer down gently of course) to my hearts content. That is Cabelas' policy, I don't want to get into a big discussion about it here.

Problems with the gun: the stock had been broken in two at some point, and glued back together. Not a bad job, but it was obvious where the break had been. And the lever latch, which is unique to this model was missing. So we did a lot of horse trading where I pointed out the deficiencies, and I walked home with the rifle.

Another side note: the sales guy was actually very helpful. He was clearly knowledgeable about a lot of guns, just not Marlins. And so I could legally take it home he put a lever lock on it, gave me the key, and then wrapped it up really well with bubble wrap and pulled out a rifle length box from under a table to box it up for me. I really cannot complain about the service, just not crazy about Cabelas' policy on trigger locks.

Two rifles in this photo. A Marlin Model 1894 made in 1895, at the top, the Model 1889 at the bottom. Notice the different configuration of the lever in the area of the trigger. That was the dead giveaway that told me it was not a model 1894. If you look carefully you can probably see the repaired break in the stock near the rear of the wrist.

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The first step was to see if everything worked. I stuffed some dummy 38-40 cartridges in the magazine and worked the action. Everything worked fine. The lever was very stiff to work because this model pushes the hammer way past full cock as the bolt moves back. But everything worked fine. Next step was to pop some primers. I primed a few pieces of 38-40 brass, and they all fired fine. No live ammo yet.


The next strep was for me to tear it completely apart. Three purposes to this exercise. One is to be able to see all the parts and how badly worn they might be. Second was to clean all the parts. Third was to prepare the rifle for my Black Powder cartridges. In this photo I have not removed the cartridge carrier, the screw seemed really stuck. Later I was able to free the screw so I could remove the carrier for a thorough cleaning. It turns out there was hardly any wear on the parts at all. Lots of 120 year old carbon and gunk, but hardly any wear. Peering down the bore the rifling looked really good. Old, and a fair amount of pitting, but the rifling was strong and I suspected this old girl would make a good shooter.

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The top of the receiver and the caliber marking.

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The rear sight. An interesting folding leaf marked '50'. Not really sure what the 50 stands for, yards or feet, but there it is.

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The front sight features an ivoroid bead. The metal has been chewed away a bit on one side. Maybe this happened when the stock broke.

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Here is the old rifle all together again. Notice the lever is not snug against the lower frame. The missing lever latch would snug up the lever.

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This model had a lever safety device much like the Winchester Model 1873. A spring loaded piece projected down through the lower frame. You can see it in this photo. While in this position it blocked the trigger from being pulled. When the lever was snugged up, it retracted the trigger block, allowing the rifle to be fired. If I can find a lever latch for this model, that will keep the lever snugged up when the lever is closed. Until then I have to remember to snug up the lever myself for every shot.

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This photo is just for fun. The rifle with some of my 38-40 rounds.

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I took the old Marlin to the range on Saturday. It was a really warm day here. The left target and middle target were both fired from a rest at normal SASS distances, about 25 feet. Considering my very bad eyesight which cannot focus very well on rifle sights I was pretty pleased. The first target I was aiming at the center of the bullseye. When I looked closely at the front sight I realized it was leaning slightly to one side. Probably happened when the rifle was mistreated. I drifted the rear sigh to the right a bit and was able to get the windage pretty good. I was aiming at six O'clock this time. Not concerned about it shooting low, CAS targets are nice and big and I can compensate. I was pleased with the group with my old eyes and iron sights. The last target was ten rounds standing at the same distance. 'Rapid Fire' if you can read the target. Not really CAS rapid fire, which would dump 10 shots in less than 5 seconds. Just rapid fire for me with an old rifle. Maybe 10 or 15 seconds.

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Quite please with the old Marlin. I may buy a new stock for it to replace the broken one, or I may just leave well enough alone. And I will be keeping an eye out for a lever latch.
 
Thanks for the great report and pictures of your new acquisition. A fine and interesting Marlin rifle, indeed.

Regarding Cabela's "safety" measures, don't blame them entirely. Rather, blame our increasingly litigious society where even the most outrageous law suits are filed by bottom-feeding, ambulance chasers; whose unscrupulous plaintiffs' ridiculous and frivolous claims are routinely rewarded by ignorant juries with lots of money at the hapless defendants' expense. Blame them.
 
I understand completely.

I'm pretty sure this is a new policy since Bass Pro took over Cabelas. In the past I have not had any problem pulling triggers at Cabelas (lowering the hammer carefully of course).

But they have no control over what kind of yahoo may walk in and how much he may know about firearms.

A workable workaround was found.
 
I like it. I don't have anything nearly that old, a 1958 vintage 336 is my oldest. But I have a soft spot for the Marlins with straight stocks. That is the only type I will buy.
 
Congratulations! What a great find and a treat for SASS.

I don't believe I have ever seen a Model 1889. I think it has much more elegant lines than the Model 1894. It's a looker.

I shoot in a pre1898 design competition and at 100 yards shoot the Model 1892 in 22lr that my Grandfather was given on his 16th birthday in 1906. It has the best trigger I've ever experienced in a lever gun and rivals any bolt gun that I own. 24" barrel makes it so quiet, the noise of the hammer is louder than the report!
 
We finally compromised by the sales guy removing the trigger lock and placing the muzzle into a bullet trap. He insisted he had to keep one hand on the barrel to make sure it stayed in the bullet trap. I could then pull the trigger (letting the hammer down gently of course) to my hearts content.

Looks like a beautiful old rifle.

The sales guy could have also pointed a revolver at your head to ensure that you would not suddenly yank the rifle out and commit .38-40 mayhem. :D
 
Wonderful post!

Me? I can't walk past a Marlin or Savage of vintage and in interesting calibers.

My defense? I stay the hell outa Cabella's and most especially once I had found they are often open to haggling.

Todd.
 
Nice old Marlin. First time I've seen such good pictures inside and out of an 1889. I'm a Marlin fan, have several. My favorite is a 1904 Model 1893 in .33-55.
 
Great find! Kudos for bringing it back to life.

Cabelas policy is written by legal eagles who probably aren't gun guys and it has to be as broad as possible and idiot proof for the non gun sales person.
 
Very nice, Driftwood. Looks like a keeper after all.

I did a little searching for the lever catch. No luck.
 
I really enjoyed your write up. Those old levers are beautiful rifles.
 
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