Marlin Model 1893 Rifle in .32-40 …… (F 1138)

Very good Marlin Model 1893 Lever-Action Rifle

A very good example of a fine collectible section one rifle in an interesting Section 58ii calibre.  Presented for sale in fine original and genuine condition.  A sleek and slim piece of functional 19th Century design which is still as slick as it is pleasant to look at.  Whether you fit into the Winchester or Marlin collectors camp this rifle is that good that it would easily be considered by both parties when viewed.  The slimline straight grip stock is very reminicent of its close rival the Winchester; being actually stocked in the same high grade material.  The straight grained American Black Walnut makes an excellent choice for the job and as a result has suffered little for its age.

It has now been established that this rifle was produced in 1947 with the serial number “D3848” clearly impressed into the underside of the action.  The “D” is the giveaway; this denotes a group of rifles assembled after the second world war from parts still held in inventory and falls outside the standard Marlin serial number range for this model.  These were assembled from parts that had not, until that time been used but needed to be cleared as the Model 336 was being launched.   Consequently as its date is younger than 1936 it falls outside the section 58(ii) criteria and has to be held on a section one FAC.

Overall the length of the rifle is a nominal 45″ from the toe of the crescent butt-plate to the muzzle.  The round blued barrel is 26″ long with full length tubular magazine under,  The trigger Pull is 13.1/4″ to the centre.  Side opening Marlin type bolt system with blued loading gate below.  Strong traces of the original vivid case-colour hardening remain in the most protected areas of the action body, most noticeable on the lower tang under the loading lever when open.

The upper tang carries the model designation in clear markings; “MODEL  / 1893″  The lower tang is clear of markings.  The crest of the barrel just forward of the breech carries the caliber designation .”32-40”   The top flat of the action is marked “MARLIN SAFETY.”  The rear sight dovetail is filled with a blanking wedge.  Between that wedge and the breech, on the LH upper external quadrant of the outer barrel is clearly marked “SPECIAL SMOKELESS STEEL”  as this Marlin was the first rifle specifically built and designed around the new smokeless cartridges.  The Marlin address and Patents are of the earlier form and arranged in two lines along the crest of the barrel.

Sporting length squared fore-end with steel cap to front.  Superbly well fitted crescent moon butt-plate with faint hints of the colour it once carried.  The rifle is fitted with an open aperture adjustable Lyman sight which operates with fine positive clicks.  It will adjust for both elevation and windage.  Blued hammer with cross hatched thumbing patch.  The action is positive and cylces properly.  The trigger is crisp for a rifle of such a vintage.  The front sight is a dovetail fitted Lyman item.  Blueing is strong all over with a slight thining at the breech end and high edge wear at the muzzle.  Rifling is slightly worn but the owner has obtained fair grouping with the correct sized bullet.  The bore is not dirty and the rifling complete but worn.

This is a fine collectible rifle from an exciting era which has survived extremely well and would make a very fine addition to any rifle or weapons collection.  The stocks themselves are in extremely good condition with virtually NO surface damage or breakdown of finish.

Currently the rifle is held on FAC and must be obtained in the same way for the next “keeper.“

Stock No’ F 1138

Section one FAC required

£ 1600.

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