New Products from Marlin - The 1894 Guide Gun in .357 and .44

 

Once again, Marlin is continuing to flesh out the core product line with variations. It appears they have quietly announced the 1894 model will have a Guide Gun iteration. The original Guide Gun is chambered for 45-70 and has a brown laminated wood. The 1894 versions are chambered in .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum with the barrel lengths matching the Classic versions with 18 inch for the .357 and 20 inch for the.44 version. The biggest difference between the Classic and Guide Gun versions of the 1894 appears to be the stocks and how the bluing is finished. The Guide Gun has a grey laminated stock and what Marlin refers to as a matte blue while the Classic has a traditional walnut stock with satin blue finish. I would have to hold them side by side to tell you what that means for you as the consumer. I suppose you could call the Guide Gun a more traditional Dark series. 

Neither of the new models have a threaded barrel like the 45-70 version. Personally, I think that's odd to not have uniformity with the model line up. That said, if you like the traditional materials of the Classic but want the dark look of the Dark series, the Guide Gun might just be for you.

SHOT Show 2025 is coming up soon. I am excited to see what new lever action products are released. I am hoping Marlin will start offering additional calibers such as .45 Colt or even .41 Magnum. 

Update: They didn't have anything noteworthy at SHOT. At this point, it seems like Marlin's line up is pretty much fleshed out. I don't know what else they would be adding other than odd-ball SKUs like the Trapper with Magpul furniture. I was hoping for new calibers but they haven't said anything yet. I would sure love a Classic in .45 Colt for Cowboy Action and reloading. 

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. 

Marlin Is Continuing to Rounding Out Their Models - 336 SBL

 I like to make sure that I try to keep track of new versions of existing models of firearms or when new stuff comes out. I had recently noted that Marlin released a .30-30 version of their Trapper line up. That model is a stainless steel model with a 16 inch barrel. Well, doing what I do and checking back in, Marlin also released a .30-30 version of the SBL. 

The 336 SBL (courtesy of the Marlin website)

I believe the nomenclature on this rifle is Stainless, Big Loop referring to the stainless steel construction and the "big loop" lever. While similar to the Trapper model, these feature a 19.1 inch barrel, also with 5/8x24 threads, and an elongated scope rail. This allows for a variety of sighting options, including the scout scope. The sights and rail are not likely to be from XS sights but they are similar. 

At this point, Marlin is missing a few things. First is a .22 LR lever action. Even if it wasn't a 39A, it could be a derivative. .45 Colt is also completely missing and I would expect we should see something within the next few years on it. 

I would also expect that Marlin will continue with sub-variants like this. They already had the SBL version with the 1895. I'm pretty sure the receiver is the same between the 336 and 1895 so having .30-30 and .45-70 versions of the Trapper, SBL, Dark, etc lines make sense. Now that the 1894 is out and being offered in both .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum under the Classic and Dark series, I would expect to see those models have versions that fall into the SBL and Trapper versions. I don't know if we'd see a Guide Gun version in anything other than .45-70 as guide guns tend to have be large caliber stopping rifles specifically. I could see Marlin bringing back the .444 Marlin cartridge in the Guide Gun but not any time soon.

This is the closest option I have seen yet that matches what I have been looking for from the industry which is a more traditional .30-30 with a threaded barrel. I don't really want the new tacticool versions for the build I have in mind. I will continue to hold my breath for Marlin to make a 336 Classic with a threaded barrel, however, this new 336 SBL could easily be my choice. It has all the needed requirements of a wood stocked rifle and a threaded barrel. I still prefer a 20 inch, however, I won't be so picky between the 19.1 inch and 20 inch barrel. It's near enough that the performance  difference won't matter. 

If I never see a Marlin 336 Classic Threaded, then this is likely the rifle of choice for my big lever action project. It would pair nicely with my 1894 CST should I go this route someday. The sad part is my Smith and Wesson 17-9 wouldn't match so I'll need to pick up a 617 or a Colt Python .22 LR not complete the full concept. Maybe even pair this with the new Smith and Wesson  32 H&R Mag J-frame. Gun nerd problems. 

Long Live the Lever Action.

Two New .30-30's - Marlin's Trapper and Pedersoli's 86/71 Droptine

 I haven't seen anything official on the Marlin yet but after jumping on their website and looking around, I found that Marlin added a .30-30 version of their stainless steel 16 inch Trapper model. She's got laminated wood stocks and a threaded barrel. 

A 16 inch .30-30 is still a viable option. I ran the numbers and while the velocity of my favorite Federal Fusion load likely wouldn't work out to 200 yards. I estimate that you can still run it out to 170 yards and still get expansion from those bonded soft points. I can't say the same for the Winchester Power Points but you'll still get a 150 yard rifle out of the Marlin 336 Trapper with generic .30-30 like the Power Points and the Remington Core-lokt. 

I think that's a pretty good combination right there. I will still continue to hold out for my blued steel and wood stocked, threaded 20 inch barrel.30-30. Speaking of which. Guess who released a high polish, blued steel .30-30 recently? Pedersoli.

They built their rifle off of the old Winchester 1886 platform and it gorgeous. I figure I should run out and get one? Wrong. It's still a Winchester top eject design so you need a scout scope. I replaced my Winchester 94 for that very reason. 

It's only a matter of time before SOMEONE finally makes exactly what I want but until then I feel like I'm being trolled here. Marlin please release a 336 Classic threaded. 

Marlin's 1894 Classic - Finally in 357 Magnum

 

Marlin 1894 Classic in .357 Magnum from the Marlin website

If you haven't figured out that I'm a big fan of Marlin rifles and the .357 Magnum cartridge you haven't read enough of my stuff. You should fix that right now then come back and finish reading this.

Today, Marlin announced that they have finally released the 1894 chambered in .357 Magnum and its gorgeous. I know the .44 Magnum version had already come out earlier this year. That made sense to get the bigger caliber out for the 2023 deer season given many people like the bigger caliber for whitetail. Well, I feel the .357 Magnum is just right when you have the right load and shouldn't be over looked. My first whitetail for the 2023 was taken with a .357 Mag Marlin 1894 CST.

Generally, .357 Magnum is easier to find on the shelves though I can't say it's easier to get good hunting loads. The Cabela's / Bass Pro offerings are meager and I don't trust any of the loads they have on their website for whitetail at this point.  It pairs so nicely with revolvers that can be sized for concealed carry or with a large frame for outdoors use. Yes you can do that with the .44 mag but the recoil from a revolver is stout. The .357 mag is much more manageable. 

The 18 inch barrel will push that bullet to velocities that make the useable distance a lot longer than people realize. I calculated the Remington 158 grain HTP can still expand reliably around 175 or so yards from a rifle. That was a 16 inch. I don't know how much more you'd get from a 18 inch. 

9 rounds of .357 Magnum in the magazine is on the low side for what we can do today but for most casual reasons you'll find it should suffice. I field my rifle as a General Purpose or Farm Rifle and it suits me nicely.

The price tags on these new Marlins is steep. The base MSRP for all the Classic's is $1,239. They are currently made in limited quantities so the street prices can be much higher than that. I am seeing the .44 Mag versions available from many retails so prices will start coming down. 

I fully recommend a lever action rifle for fun and hunting. If you haven't tried one out, fix that immediately. Full power loads for defense and hunting with light .38 Special for fun and target is a hard combo to beat and one that I maintain is under appreciated. Pair it up with a Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic and you have a perfect Classic Combo.

So, finally the end question, will I run out an buy one of these? No. I've said it too many times, Marlin should release a Classic threaded so us (very few) folks who suppress all the things. I still want to replace my Winchester 94 in .30-30. The 336 Classic with it's checkered wood and blued steel a top choice for a dedicated hunting rifle for me. Marlin hasn't done a 336 Classic with 5/8x24 threads yet so I haven't bought one. It will take time as they did release the Dark series again and those do have threads but they have 16 inch barrels. I want the 20 inch. Until then, my .357 Mag Marlin 1894 CST is my favorite rifle I have and I totally recommend which ever version of the Marlin rifles tickles your fancy.

Update: I retract my statement. I want one pretty bad. I've been thinking over how this version would fit into my line up. Whether I would build one out or leave it as is and I'm pretty torn on it. I like the idea of just enjoying the rifle as it is with nothing but leather goods but also I like the idea of building into a dedicated hunting rifle. Academy had a .44 Mag version in stock the other day for under $1000 which is a really good indicator. If the pricing is the same, I think the Classic .357 will be a good addition even if I just used it as is. 

The Marlin Dark Series Is Back!

The Re-released Marlin Dark 1895 (Image from Marlin's Website)

While the original Dark series wasn't my cup of tea exactly, I appreciate what it was. Well, Ruger announced they're back. To be honest, I think the new version is better. 

You can find the release on Marlin's Website

The first two things I see differently are the stock and forend. The new butt stocks look like the old Ruger All Weather with a riser while the forend is a modernized M-LOK rail with QD pockets. The stock also have M-LOK slots in it likely for cartridge holders. While I've said in the past, I'm not a big fan of the new  M-LOK rails, this one works well. They also have a muzzle break threaded on the barrel. You can replace with a suppressor as you want.

They again started with the 1895 version in .45-70 and say that a .30-30 336 followed by a .44 Magnum 1894 next year will be available. All versions are likely to be 16 inch barrels. 

Honestly, I think this decision makes a ton a sense. They're starting with the most preferred versions then came out with a model that basically pre-built custom gun. Ruger is known for taking features that would otherwise been third-party or custom features and incorporating them into a production product. The Ruger Blackhawk comes to mind with the Flattop style frame and the beefy strength. If you look at what people like Elmer Keith were doing, see the Number 5 revolver, Bill Ruger incorporated many of those features into the Blackhawk. I think Ruger did the same thing with a stock like what Ranger Point Precision did then added an  M-LOK rail like what Midwest Industries and RPP have. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again, just because you put on the right parts, doesn't mean it looks good. I've seen plenty of lever guns with RPP and MI parts that look just awful. Well, I think the new Dark Series came out just fine and I think they are going to sell very well. I still want a Classic Series or Guide Gun Series threaded .30-30 so I will be holding off. 

Marlin's Newest Announcement - The 1894 is Back. Again.

 Ruger did say they expected a Summer launch of the 1894 and they didn't disappoint. Officially, they are launching it in the Classic version like they did with the 336. It has a 20 inch barrel and is chambered for .44 magnum. Looking at the website, they have the MSRP at $1239. The image above is what you're getting. No barrel threads or anything extra. Just beautiful blued steel and wood stocks. 

I'm loving the looks. I'll still be holding out to see if they release a threaded barrel version. I like what Ruger is doing with the Marlin brand I hope to add something to my collection some day.

And when I said again, what I mean was that around 1935, Marlin has stopped making these but started again in 1969. At least from what I've found. They started with the 44 Mag loading then offered the 357 option in the 1970's. I've heard Marlin never stopped but I don't know that, that is true. 

Update NOV 2023: I got to handle one at the local Academy sports. It was nice. I wish I could have spent more time with it. Lightweight and svelte. Just don't expect the finishes to be high gloss. Don't get so hyped that you think Marlin released a Parkwest quality rifle. They are pretty though. 

The Marlin 336 - They Started with A Classic

 

Marlin finally announced that the Model 336 is back and chambered for the 30-30 cartridge. Their website updated on 27 Mar to reflect that the 336 Classic has returned with a few channels picking up on the news. 

Target Suite is probably the only channel right now that has the best video up on the rifle as of the end of what is likely an embargo date. He compares an older unit long before Remington and the new Ruger-made unit and found the quality appears to actually be better. 

TS hints at future models coming out with threaded barrels but no estimate on arrival or even in what configuration.

Generally, I'm excited to see the 336 back but disappointed that we don't know what a threaded barrel model will look like. I'm ready to build a 336 for hunting but I want those wood stocks and blued steel with the threads and not some plastic fantastic meant to look tacticool. 

A Return to Lever Action - Marlin's Back

 A few years back, Big Green (Remington) went bankrupt. They sold off a large part of the assets which included the brand Marlin and all the IP that goes with it and Ruger bought it. This year, Ruger has been getting Marlin back on it's feet and was able to release 3 versions of the 1895 level action rifle in .45-70. The latest version has me the most excited; it's the Guide Gun.

While .45-70 seems like it would be lots of fun, what I really want is the Model 336 to come back in .30-30. What has me excited is the finish and colors of the Guide Gun. Marlin is using a dark metal finish with the traditional brown wood and it's gorgeous. A threaded barrel is standard on all three versions of the 1895 and I hope that continues on with the 336 and 1894. If I can get the 336 in 30-30 in a similar color pallet and feature set as the Guide Gun, I'll ditch my WWSD 350 Legend AR-15 and go back to lever action 30-30 for hunting. 

I still like my Winchester 94 and so far the WWSD 350 Legend AR-15 I built to replace seems to be working fine but the Marlin just has the classic lever action layout I love. The 336 action facilitates modern scopes unlike the older non-AE Winchester Model 94 rifles and getting any good 350 Legend ammo has been troublesome. I could buy a new Winchester that I can use modern scopes with since the angle eject system doesn't eject upward but I won't buy any rifle that doesn't have a threaded barrel at this point. None of the Winchester lever action offerings have threaded barrel for silencers or other devices. That's an automatic out. I won't spend the $1000+ on a new rifle just to cut it and thread it. This needs to a factory thing with these older lever action guns.  

I had been looking at buying a new bolt-action rifle for hunting and utility in something like .223 Remington but I'd rather just stick with my beloved lever action rifles for farm work. If I can get a 336 that's similar to the Guide Gun, I'll buy one and re-barrel the WWSD AR-15 for 5.56.

Please Marlin, make it happen!

And yes, I'm aware of the Henry X guns but they don't have wood furniture.