Marlin 1893

[Phil DeGraves]

I have an antique Marlin 1893 in 30-30 whose serial number indicates it was built in 1899. But, the barrel says "Smokeless Powder" and according to the literature I have read, that marking wasn't put on the rifles until 1904. It says "Model 1893" instead of "Model '93" so that would indicate that it is an old gun. It is in the short rifle configuration, short magazine with the rifle forend instead of barrel bands like the carbine. It has a 19 inch barrel. Is this original or has someone long ago modified it? It shoots to point of aim, great shooting gun with front and rear sights dovetailed into the barrel.

 

[eliphalet]

Good place to ask is here,
http://www.marlin-collectors.com/forum/index.php

 

[ArmedBear]

Don't know the answer but I covet the rifle.

 

[daniel (australia)]

FWIW I also have a Model 1893 .30-30 made in 1899 Mine is in Sporting Rifle configuration, with pistol grip stock, shotgun buttplate, half magazine and a 26" half-octagonal barrel. Mine has "Special Smokeless Steel" on the barrel. Mine still shoots well too - 2 moa or less with its peep sights. I occasionally take it out for a bit of armed bushwalking: I shot a deer with it the year before last.

.30-30 was always a smokeless load, and I believe that the "Special Smokeless Steel" was available from the start of 1893 production. There was the option in some calibres though of a slightly cheaper version which was not "Special Smokeless Steel" (ie a version suitable for black powder only) which also was distinguished by having a blued receiver rather than colour case-hardened. I'd doubt that this was available in .30-30 though, as that wasn't a black powder calibre.

FWIW in 1904 the designation became Model 93 rather than Model 1893.