Marlin 1897 .22 Lever

[meangrump]

Help! I have just received a Marlin Model 1897 .22 Lever Action from a friend who wants it "Restored". I am VERY hesitant as when they gave it to me they thought it was a model 96 from the 50/60's.
The serial number is 212000. I believe it was manufactured around 1900. It is missing the magazine tube and one of the small hand grip forward screws. The rear sight is also gone (Dovetail looks clean though). It is filthy, cruddy. I "gently" wiped away some of the crud inside and it is marked "Pat. June 8, 1897".

Can anyone provide any info/recommendations/ Price inf/ANYTHING on this? I WILL NOT make any changes to this gun until I am certain that doing so is in its best interest.

 

[BradN]

Go over to the Marlin forum at www.marlinowners.com. They should be more help there. BTW, I have a Marlin 1897 Texan .22 lever made about ten years ago.

 

[tubeshooter]

Marlin Owners is a good call. I would recommend visiting rimfirecentral.com also.

I actually would be hesitant to do very much to it. It is very likely to have collector value. There are some astute individuals at both sites, and they'll be able to let you know. Same can be said for here, but those boards are more specialized.


Maybe if you're lucky dfariswheel will see this thread and chime in. He's very knowledgeable about a number of firearms, including Marlin .22 levers.


[Edited to add: If I am not mistaken, I think Marlin lever .22s that are that old are not to be fired with high or hyper velocity ammo as it could damage the gun. You would have to replace the bolt with one rated for the higher velocity ammo. Not sure if you can just pop a Model 39A bolt in there; I doubt it. Stick to standard velocity or slower. Be sure to let your friend know this!]