Marlin Model 1893 in 30-30

[SouthShoreTJ]

My grandpa just gave me a Marlin Model 1893, I don't know anything about this gun. It was hanging above the fireplace when my Grandpa bought a house in Tahoe in the late 50's and he's had it ever since. He says he shot it once to see if it worked but he's not into guns or shooting so he never had any use for it.

the barrel was shortened by a previous owner to make it into a "saddle gun" I haven't put a tape measure on it to see how long it is now.

Questions:

1: When was this gun manufactured?

2: What is this gun worth?

3: If it's not worth much as a collectors item I'd like to be able to shoot it, what do I need to inspect to decide if it's safe to shoot?

4: What does "Marlin Safety" mean? I noticed the hammer has a "half cocked" position where the trigger is locked, is it safe to carry the rifle at half cock with a round in the chamber? or should I always keep the chamber empty and work the lever to chamber a round when i'm ready to fire?

 

[SouthShoreTJ]

last two pictures.

 

[ArmedBear]

The 1893 is the predecessor of the modern 336. The 336 got a round bolt in the 1930s I think; the 1894, a similar gun in pistol calibers, still looks much like the gun you have.

What caliber is it?

"Marlin Safety" refers to drop safety, I think. There's no additional manual safety on Marlins until relatively recently.

Half-cock should be safe, but I'd have the gun checked to be sure.

 

[jmr40]

Go to www.armscollectors.com Scroll about half way down and click on Marlin and enter the SN. Using the part of the SN showing it appears to be around 1901.

 

[SouthShoreTJ]

What caliber is it?

30-30

Using the part of the SN showing it appears to be around 1901

with the full serial number the arms collector site spit out 1901. older than I expected!