Marlin Firearms

About Marlin Firearms

Marlin Firearms Company was founded in 1872 by John Mahlon Marlin after he left Colt Firearms following the Civil War.

The company was officially incorporated in 1881 with the introduction of the Marlin 1881 lever-action repeating rifle, establishing Marlin's dominance in the lever gun market.

Over the decades, Marlin became the world's largest producer of lever-action firearms, manufacturing over 30 million lever guns by 2008.

The company survived two World Wars, the Korean War, and the Great Depression while maintaining continuous firearms production for over 150 years.

Currently owned by Sturm, Ruger & Co. since 2020, Marlin continues its commitment to producing America's finest lever-action rifles with modern manufacturing techniques and traditional craftsmanship.

Popular Marlin Firearms Features

Side-Loading Gate System

• The tubular magazine loading gate allows quick and easy cartridge loading without removing the magazine.

Solid-Top Receiver Design

• Unlike Winchester's open-top design, Marlin's solid-top receiver provides superior strength and easier scope mounting.

Cold Hammer-Forged Barrels

• Precision barrel manufacturing delivers exceptional accuracy and extended barrel life for consistent performance.

Cross-Bolt Safety System

• Modern safety feature provides an additional layer of protection while maintaining the classic lever-action feel.

CNC Machined Components

• Receivers, levers, and trigger guards are precision-machined from alloy steel forgings for superior quality and durability.

Traditional American Black Walnut Stocks

• Hand-cut checkering and premium wood provide classic aesthetics and superior grip in all weather conditions.

Best-Selling Marlin Rifles

Model 336 Series

• Available in .30-30 Winchester, this classic lever-action is considered America's most popular deer hunting rifle.

Model 1894 Series

• Chambered in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt, these rifles are favorites among cowboy action shooters and hunters.

Model 1895 Series

• The big-bore .45-70 Government lever-action is famous for dangerous game hunting and featured in movies like Jurassic World.

Model 39A

• The longest continuously produced rifle in the world, this .22 rimfire lever-action is highly sought after by collectors.

Model 60

• This best-selling .22 LR semi-automatic rifle has over 10 million units produced and remains popular for small game hunting.

Model 1895 SBL

• Featuring stainless steel construction and laminate stocks, this tactical-styled .45-70 is designed for professional guides.

Model 336 Classic

• Traditional American black walnut stock with hand-cut checkering makes this the ultimate classic deer rifle.

Popular Uses for Marlin Firearms

Deer Hunting

• The Model 336 in .30-30 Winchester is America's most popular deer rifle, perfect for brush hunting with quick follow-up shots.

Big Game Hunting

• Model 1895 rifles in .45-70 Government provide the power needed for elk, moose, bear, and other large North American game.

Dangerous Game Protection

• Professional hunting guides rely on Marlin Guide Guns and Trapper models for protection against dangerous game in Alaska and Africa.

Cowboy Action Shooting

• Model 1894 rifles in pistol calibers like .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum are extremely popular in competitive cowboy action shooting sports.

Collecting and Investment

• Vintage Marlin rifles, especially pre-1980s "JM" stamped models and the Model 39A, are highly collectible and appreciate in value.

Marlin Firearms FAQs

QUESTION: What is the most popular Marlin rifle for deer hunting?
ANSWER: The Marlin Model 336 in .30-30 Winchester is considered America's most popular deer hunting rifle.

QUESTION: Are Marlin lever-action rifles good for beginners?
ANSWER: Yes, the .30-30 Winchester models are excellent for new hunters due to manageable recoil and reliable performance.

QUESTION: What is the effective range of a Marlin .30-30 rifle?
ANSWER: Marlin .30-30 rifles are typically effective at ranges of 150-200 yards for hunting applications.

QUESTION: Does Ruger warranty older Marlin firearms?
ANSWER: No, Ruger only warranties Marlin rifles manufactured after their 2020 acquisition of the company.

QUESTION: What calibers are available in Marlin lever-action rifles?
ANSWER: Popular calibers include .30-30 Winchester, .45-70 Government, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .22 LR.

QUESTION: Are Marlin rifles legal for hunting in all states?
ANSWER: Yes, Marlin lever-action rifles are legal for hunting in all 50 states where rifle hunting is permitted.

QUESTION: What makes Marlin different from Winchester lever-action rifles?
ANSWER: Marlin features a solid-top receiver design and side-loading gate, while Winchester uses an open-top receiver.

QUESTION: Can you mount a scope on Marlin lever-action rifles?
ANSWER: Yes, many current Marlin models feature Picatinny rails for easy optics mounting.

QUESTION: What is the magazine capacity of Marlin rifles?
ANSWER: Magazine capacity varies by model and caliber, typically ranging from 5 to 11 rounds.

QUESTION: Are Marlin firearms good for cowboy action shooting?
ANSWER: Yes, Marlin Model 1894 rifles in pistol calibers are extremely popular among cowboy action shooters.