Marlin Model 1891 .22 RF Rifle

[Doug Bowser]

MARLIN MODEL 1891 .22 RF RIFLE

By Doug Bowser

I had a really nice Marlin Model 1891 rifle in .22 Long Rifle. It was a first year rifle, with no slot to load the ammunition into the side of the magazine tube. The ammo loaded into the side of the receiver, just as the CF versions of the lever action rifles. The barrel was 26” full octagon, the magazine tube was half the length of the barrel and it had a crescent butt plate. This is a very uncommon rifle in shootable condition and I thought some of you might want to see photos of it.

 

[chicharrones]

An original loading gate Marlin .22. Nice.

Tell us more about the loading operation. Was the gate spring loaded like a centerfire Marlin, or was the gate a sliding door? Did the ammo hang up on loading or get dents in the bullets in any way?

Just curiosity on my part.

 

[Doug Bowser]

The loading gate was tapered on the bottom and the .22 bullet moved it out of the way to access the magazine tube. It wasn't too difficult to load. I got $1400 for it when I sold it.

 

[Bert W.]

Thanks for the pictures and information Doug. It looks like it had a robust barrel for the .22LR. Looks like a really nice rifle. Having sold it, do you miss it?

 

[Doug Bowser]

Yes I missed it but I had a Brain Tumor operation and needed the money.

 

[chicharrones]

Yes I missed it but I had a Brain Tumor operation and needed the money.

Wow! I assume the operation went well, then?

 

[Doug Bowser]

I have a lot of residual pain but the operation went well. It was in 2004/

 

[krinko]

You are actually the "Rifles of the White Death" Doug Bowser? Your avatar photo would seem to indicate that you are.
I was going through your book again just this morning.
Glad to see you here.
-----krinko

 

[Doug Bowser]

You are actually the "Rifles of the White Death" Doug Bowser? Your avatar photo would seem to indicate that you are.
I was going through your book again just this morning.
Glad to see you here.
-----krinko

Thanks for the welcome. I wrote Rifles of the White Death, because there was no English language book on Finn rifles. I am afraid the book stirred up a lot of interest and caused the rifles to increase in price.