Marlin 1895CB questions

[scratchy wilson]

When these were first introduced, did they have the rectangular bolt, or were they always the round bolt? Is one stronger than the other, or is it just cosmetic?

I glanced at a used one last weekend. Looked ok, had some 'pedestrian grade' scope with "see through" rings for $575. The jones is getting bad...

 

[VA27]

The 'modern' 1895 has always had a round bolt. The square bolt ones date from the 1800's, so the round bolt ones are the stronger.

$575 for a Cowboy sounds reasonable.

 

[scratchy wilson]

I snagged it. 1st thing I did was get that cheapbutt scope & rings off(to the previous owner: What were you thinking????)but everything else looks ok. Looks nice out there this am, think I'll take it for a spin in a few hours...