Marlin Model ’97 Standard-Grade Takedown .22 S/L/LR (1907) – Octagon Barrel Collector’s Lever-Action
Serial number 356598 places this Marlin Model ’97 squarely in 1907, right in the heart of the transitional period when Marlin marked the tang “Model ’97” (1905–1917). A full-length 24" blued octagon barrel, color-case-hardened solid-top receiver with side ejection, and straight walnut fore-end define the rifle’s classic silhouette. Chambered for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle with a 14+1 tubular magazine, it delivers the versatility and smooth cycling that made the Model ’97 the direct ancestor of the legendary 39A. The takedown system separates the rifle into two compact 24-inch sections, making transport and maintenance straightforward—an important highlight for both shooters and collectors.
Condition
Overall: Good. The blued and case-hardened finishes retain honest character with minor scratching, light scuffs, and scattered handling blemishes consistent with responsible use over its 116-year life.
Wood: Plain-grain walnut buttstock and straight fore-end show small dings and varnish wear but no cracks or structural issues. Note that the buttplate is missing.
Bore: Good. Clean and bright with well-defined lands and grooves—evidence that prior owners maintained the rifle with care.
Mechanicals: Lever action, takedown threads, and elevator-adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight function properly.
What’s Included
• Marlin Model ’97 Standard-Grade Takedown rifle (manufactured 1907, serial 356598)
• No additional accessories or buttplate are present.
Marlin produced roughly 125,000 Model 1897/’97 rifles between 1897 and 1917, but examples from the middle production years with intact case colors and full-length octagon barrels are increasingly scarce. This Standard-Grade variant reflects factory configuration: hand-rubbed plain walnut without checkering, a 13.25" straight grip length of pull, and the distinctive straight fore-end. At just under six pounds, it balances quickly, making it a classic small-game or gallery rifle while also serving as a tangible bridge between 19th-century lever-action design and modern rimfire repeaters.
Features worth noting:
• Takedown lever allows the rifle to break into two equal-length sections for storage in pack or saddle.
• Solid-top receiver and side ejection keep spent cases clear of optics or the shooter’s face—a forward-looking design still used on contemporary Marlins.
• Compatible with three .22 rimfire lengths, offering flexibility for quiet plinking with Shorts or full-power Long Rifle loads.
• Factory iron sights: dovetailed bead front and elevator-adjustable semi-buckhorn rear for period-correct sight picture.
• Case-hardened receiver not only adds visual appeal but historically provided a durable wear surface.
Whether you’re completing a Marlin lever-action timeline, looking for a historically significant rimfire shooter, or simply drawn to turn-of-the-century American craftsmanship, this 1907 Model ’97 offers authenticity, functionality, and a direct link to the iconic Model 39A lineage. Consider giving it a place in your safe—and occasionally on the range—where its smooth action and balanced lines can be appreciated for another century.