Marlin 1983

[slicksleeve]

Hi guys, just looking for an approximate DOB for a rifle my Dad recently aquired. It is a Marlin, marked MODEL 1893 on the tang behind the hammer. On the top of the receiver, is marked "MARLIN SAFETY". On the barrel it has stamped, "FOR BLACKPOWDER ". It has a dovetail mounted blade front sight, and a buckhorn rear sight. A crescent shaped buttplate, and 26" barrel. The caliber is 32-40. Serial number is 384364. Any help is much appreciated. Joe.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Marlin's early records of serial numbers end in 1906, they used numbers only for a long time and didn't keep great records. Apparently Marlin added the letter C prefix around 1921. It's likely yours is from 1906-1917 era as smokeless steel barrels became the norm after WW1.These were made up until 1935 when the designation was changed to Model 36.

You can try writing Marlin but this is noted on their website:

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/customersupport/faq.asp

You'll see here also that Marlin suggests contacting the Cody Museum who can provide this info for a fee.

 

[slicksleeve]

Thank you Dr. Rob.