New Production Marlin 1894 Quality?

[Olympus]

My first "deer rifle" was an old Marlin 1984 in 44 mag. I use quotes because I was probably too young at the time to even be considered hunting, but I carried one in the woods a few times. I never had an opportunity to take a deer with that rifle before my dad traded it for something else. So I've been thinking about buying a new production 1894 in 44 mag to have as kind of a tribute to the one I never got a chance to kill anything with. In my research, it seems that opinions are varied as to the quality of these guns. I know the ones from say 2008 to 2014ish are to be stayed away from. I'm asking about the CURRENT production guns. Guns that have been produced within the last year let's say. How are they in terms of quality, fit/finish, and accuracy? Dealer pricing on these guns are very reasonable so that's why I'm looking at the new production models instead of buying an older model on Gunbroker.

 

[RPRNY]

There still seem to be issues, but the problems that plagued quality for several years after the move to Ilion seem to have substantially diminished. The rule of thumb is don't buy one that you haven't had the chance to personally examine.

 

[ilmonster]

I have a newer production 1895 (in 45-70) that was made in late 2015. I checked it before purchasing it at my local Cabela's, and it had good wood to metal fit, sights on straight, no buggered up screws and it cycled smoothly. I have around 150 rounds through it now, and couldn't be more pleased. It's fit, finish and function is as good as my 2006 1894C. Am now considering a new 336, not that I "need" one!! Good luck!

 

[dh1633pm]

I purchased a brand new 1894 a couple months ago in 45 Colt. The fit and finish are top rate. Very happy with my new 1894.

A friend who works QC at the Arms said that the number one QC issue he writes up for the 1894 are loose screws for the tube mag. I checked mine and they are all tight.

 

[Jason_W]

Purchased a new 1894 in .44 mag last February. It's so far reliable and well built, but very rough. The trigger was a heavy nightmare (I'm guessing 8-10 lbs.) I changed that out with a WWG happy trails trigger which is orders of magnitude better. My other big complaint is the mag spring is ultra stiff and will sometimes pop a round back out. I'm hoping some of the stiffness and roughness smooths out over time.

I've had no jams or failures to feed yet, but Marlin PCCs seem to need to be cycled with a certain amount of vigor to feed with utmost reliability. That's not something unique to the new marlins. My pre-remington 1894C was the same way.

Accuracy? I'm not the best one to ask. I have a Williams peep on it and I'm a bit out of practice, but once I had the sight dialed in, I was able to keep most of my shots on an 8" target at 50 yards. I'm sure a crack shot with a scope on the rifle could do way better.

All things considered, I wish I had spent a little extra up front and gone with the Henry Bog Boy Steel. Out of the box it's a much nicer, smoother gun.

 

[dh1633pm]

I am going to test mine out a little more now that its spring. I can't vouch for accuracy yet. I have three other rifles in 45 colt so I am going to do some testing. I am getting ready to get a Big Boy in Brass to add to the collection. Includes the 1894. My 1895 is exceptionally accurate.