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Marlin Model 1894
 

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|Introduction | I. History of Marlin Rifles | II. 1894 Models |  III. 1894 Variations |
| IV. Outline of Features | V. Condition  | VI. Diagrams |

Which Model-Configuration of 1894 Rifle do You Have?

Step 1: Determine the Model of firearm

There are four Model Configurations with several variations of those models.  The standard "Production Model"1894 rifle was a lever action and had a walnut stock, with either a shotgun-type, carbine-type or crescent buttplate.  Deluxe varieties have checkered forearms and stocks, and may have a pistol grip and/or other added features, as many different options were available directly from the Marlin factory. 

Barrel length is the major criteria that will be used to differentiate among the 4 different Model Configurations of the 1894 Marlin.  Barrel length is measured from the end of the barrel tip (at the muzzle below the front sight), to the end of the barrel threads (beyond where the barrel inserts into the receiver in the middle of the gun).  In the 1894 Marlin, you can measure from the top of the receiver from where the bolt opening ends, to the barrel tip, to get an accurate overall barrel length.  As an example, in the Carbine which has a 20" barrel, the measurement from the barrel tip to the receiver front is only 19 1/4 ".  In order to add the distance of the barrel threads so that the length totals 20 inches, you need to keep measuring into the receiver until you reach the end of the threads at the bolt/receiver opening (see where arrow points to in picture below).  This will give you the correct barrel length measurement.

Use the following Key to determine which model (configuration) of gun you have.  Start at "a" and then select one of the "a" choices.  Follow the STEPS through the key to determine your rifle type.  Then confirm with the overall descriptions and variations.  When you determine your 1894 model, enter that information in the right-hand column.

These guns were very popular and some have gone through many hands.  Each owner had an opportunity to modify the gun, add parts, change parts, and remove features.  Be alert for such modifications, and remember that any modification from the original probably decreases value.

If you need help determining names used for the parts of your gun, examine the Parts Diagram by Clicking Here.

Easy Key:

a. My gun is a lever action with a barrel that is EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN 20" in length .  ---  Go to section b

a. My gun is a lever action with a barrel LESS THAN 20" LONG.  You have a  Short Carbine.  The barrel  should be 18"  in length.  The gun is blued, has a plain walnut stock and a carbine style buttplate.  There were only 367 of these marlin guns produced, so be careful that your barrel was not shortened by somebody after the gun had left the factory!

 Go to STEP 2

b. My gun has a barrel that GREATER THAN 20" long ---  Go to section c

Marlin 1894 with barrel over 20" in length

b. My gun has a barrel THAT IS  20" long and is a lever action rifle.  You have a  Marlin 1894 Carbine.  The barrel will be round, the stock plain walnut, and the buttplate will be carbine style.  The forearm is also plain walnut, uncapped, and with a single barrel band.  The gun is blued, and can be fitted with a saddle ring on the left receiver side. 

 Go to STEP 2

c. My gun has a barrel over 20", and has a plain walnut full-length stock.  You have a Marlin 1894 Musket.   Only 68 of the guns were ever made!

 Go to STEP 2

c.  My gun has a 24" to 32"barrel that is either octagon or round. The forearm has wood only on the bottom and has a metal forearm cap.  The walnut stock can be either a straight grip or pistol grip, with the latter checkered. The original factory butt plate was metal and crescent shaped.   You have a  Marlin 1894 Repeating Rifle. 

Continue to Step 2 and the Variations of Models

|Introduction | I. History of Marlin Rifles | II. 1894 Models |  III. 1894 Variations |
| IV. Outline of Features | V. Condition  | VI. Diagrams |