04 April 2024

The Marlin 1894 SBL - Stainless Pistol Calibers Are Back


LET'S GO! Marlin announced today that they are now releasing the 1894 now has an SBL variant. It comes with a 16 inch barrel which is enough to really get that bullet moving. Right now, they are only offering the rifle in .44 Magnum but I would expect that .357 Magnum is coming out later this year. Well, their website confirms that with the .357 magnum version coming out in Spring.

To be honest, I had expected that Marlin would round out the versions with the different models. What surprises me is the 16 inch barrel choice for the SBL. Not that you need an 18 inch or 20 inch barrel to make the pistol calibers work but I figured that the SBL trim was the full Monty while the Trapper trim was the short model. They may still do Trapper models with the 1894 but we shall see.

I'm torn on getting one in .45 Colt if they ever release that caliber but I'm still toying with the idea of the Rossi R92 in .45 Colt. It wouldn't be anytime soon if I get either. 

That said, this rifle is just about right for a short hunting rifle. If these don't sell like crazy, I would be seriously surprised. A great whitetail caliber with a short barrel, threaded and in stainless steel. It's such a  good working gun. I hope these sell like hotcakes. 

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