MARLIN 1895
Posted May 14, 2023
The Marlin 1895- one of the most iconic firearms of the modern era. With a long and rich history, the Marlin 1895 is still one of the most reliable and well-regarded lever-action rifles in production today. An iconic firearm in the wild west, the Marlin 1895 has been used in some of the most famous westerns of the 20th century and since then, has been eclipsed by some of its contemporaries in the market, yet it still remains an exceedingly viable option for hunters, outdoor enthusiasts and even collectors. As a lever-action rifle, the Marlin 1895 offers an unprecedented combination of accuracy, reliability, affordability, and ease of use, and as such is an excellent choice for shooters of all experience levels.
When first entering the rifle market in the late 19th century, the Marlin 1895 was introduced as a medium frame lever-action rifle that offered an extremely reliable mechanical design. The design itself saw very minor changes over the years, with the primary differentiators being materials used (ie. steel vs. aluminum frames, and wooden vs. synthetic stocks) and calibers available. Initially available in the then-popular .30-30 Winchester, the Marlin 1895 went on to encompass a variety of other calibers, including .45-70, .25-35, .32 Special, .444 Marlin, .35 Remington and .45 Colt. The Marlin 1895 is also available in the modern .450 Marlin, for shooters seeking maximum power in their rifle.
The Marlin 1895 is most commonly chambered for the .45-70, as it is widely used for hunting species such as Moose, Elk and even Bears. This is largely due to the large volume of powder and high muzzle velocities generated by the .45-70 rounds. The Marlin 1895 is considered to be an incredibly accurate and reliable rifle, even after more than a century in production. The accuracy of the rifle is often praised and the Marlin 1895 has won numerous awards in recognition of its reliability. The Marlin 1895 can consistently shoot at its designed velocity of 1,873 ft/s (571 m/s) out to its capabilities of up to 250 yards (230 m).
In terms of sizing and ergonomics, the Marlin 1895 is fairly lightweight for its class, weighing an average of 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg). It is offered in both left-handed and right-handed options and includes a box magazine, which can hold up to six .45-70 rounds for quick reloading, and a 24-inch barrel, which is standard for this type of rifle. Its smooth, walnut-stained stock balances well in the hands, which helps to reduce felt recoil and improve accuracy. The trigger pull of the Marlin 1895 is smooth and light, allowing good shooting control and accuracy, while still remaining safe to use.
Part of the longstanding appeal of the Marlin 1895 is its relatively-low cost. Compared to modern, tactical-style rifles, the Marlin 1895 is an economical choice, especially as it is most commonly chambered for the more-affordable .45-70 rounds. On top of its comparative affordability, the Marlin 1895 is also an exceptionally well-constructed rifle. Marlin rifles have a reputation for being incredibly durable, and owners of the Marlin 1895 generally report many years of shooting pleasure and accuracy, even with continuous and intensive use.
In terms of serviceability, the Marlin 1895 is generally seen as very easy to maintain. With the availability of many aftermarket parts, replacement of worn out parts can be done without much trouble. This makes owning a Marlin 1895 even more of an economical choice and given the rugged, durable design, such a rifle can be expected to last many lifetimes with proper care and maintenance.
On the whole, the Marlin 1895 is an outstanding rifle option for any shooter, beginner or experienced. It has a long and storied history in the lever-action rifle market, is incredibly accurate and reliable, and is designed to provide years of shooting pleasure with proper care and maintenance. An extremely economical and easy-to-maintain rifle, the Marlin 1895 is capable of providing an excellent shooting experience for any level of shooter and is one of the best lever-action rifles on the market today.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Familiar Lever Action Method of Operation: The MARLIN 1895 lever action rifle is well known for its simplicity and easy operation. It utilizes the same tried-and-true lever action method of operation as other Marlin rifles, making it easy to use and familiar to most hunters.
-High Magnification: The MARLIN 1895 is capable of shooting up to 5x magnification, making it an excellent choice for long-range shooting.
-Durable: The MARLIN 1895 is a well-built rifle, designed to stand up to years of use and abuse. It is a highly durable rifle that can handle most hunting and outdoor activities without issue.
-Replacement Parts: Due to its longstanding popularity, the MARLIN 1895 is easy to find replacement parts for. It is easy to find aftermarket stocks, barrels and other accessories.
Cons:
-Weight: The MARLIN 1895 is a fairly heavy rifle due to its construction and design. This can make it difficult to lug around the woods during a hunt, especially if you are trekking deep into the woods.
-Long Barrel: The MARLIN 1895 has a long barrel length, which can make maneuvering around tight spaces or in the woods difficult. This can also make it harder to transport.
-High Price Tag: The MARLIN 1895 is a bit pricey for most people. It can cost hundreds of dollars more than other lever action rifles, making it inaccessible for some hunters.
Who Should Buy
The MARLIN 1895 is an ideal choice for anyone who is looking for a powerful, rugged, and reliable lever-action rifle suitable for hunting or target shooting. It should also prove to be a good choice for most gun enthusiasts.
People who are not interested in hunting, target shooting, or collecting guns are probably not the ideal market for the MARLIN 1895.
Comparisons
| Marlin 1895 | Remington 870 Wingmaster | Winchester Model 70 | Mossberg 500 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45-70 | 12 Gauge | .30-06 | 12 Gauge |
| Capacity | 4+1 | 4+1 | 3+1 | 5+1 |
| Trigger | Single-Stage | Single-Stage | Single-Stage | Twin Action Bars |
| Action Type | Lever Action | Pump Action | Bolt Action | Pump Action |
| Safety Mechanism | Hammer Block Safety | Hammer Block Safety | Push Safety | Ambidextrous Safety |
| Sights | Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn | Bead Sights | Adjustable Leaf | Bead Sights |
| Stock Material | Walnut | Walnut | Walnut | Synthetic Wood |
| Weight | 7.35 lbs | 7 lbs | 7.4 lbs | 7.25 lbs |
Features / Specs
-Action Type: Lever Action
-Caliber: .45-70 Government
-Rate of Twist: 1:20"
-Magazine Capacity: 4 Rounds
-Length of Pull: 14"
-Overall Length: 37"
-Barrel Length: 20.5"
-Weight: 7 lbs. 10 oz.
-Stock: Black/Walnut Hardwood
-Sights: Marble's Semi-Buckhorn Rear, Brass Bead Front
Popular Accessories
SBL?
- Scope Mount
- Sling
- Magazine Extension
- Flash Hider
- Large Loop Lever
- Replacement Stock
- Recoil Pad
- Magazine Follower
- Peep Sights
- Buttstock Shell Holder
Accuracy
The MARLIN 1895 is well-known for its accuracy and reliability, and it is highly regarded as an excellent rifle for hunting and target shooting. This venerable lever-action rifle is capable of producing one-hole groups at short range and holds its own with modern firearms at medium range. With a suitable scope and ammunition, the MARLIN 1895 can reliably hit targets up to 200 yards away, and even longer distances in capable hands. Revised models of the MARLIN 1895, such as the Dark Series, further increase the rifle's accuracy with a higher-quality button-rifled barrel and improved sights.
