Marlin Model 1894 .44 Magnum Lever-Action Rifle, 20.25-Inch JM Stamped (1979)
Built in 1979 at Marlin’s North Haven plant, this Model 1894 combines pre-cross-bolt safety engineering with a JM-stamped Micro-Groove barrel chambered for both .44 Remington Magnum and .44 Special. A gold-washed trigger, solid-top receiver, and classic straight-grip walnut furniture give this lever gun features collectors look for and shooters appreciate.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent – Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Rifling Condition: Excellent Rifling – Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: A few light scuffs and areas of finish wear are present. The walnut stock displays scattered finish blemishes but remains structurally sound.
What’s Included
- Marlin Model 1894 .44 Magnum rifle
This rifle features Marlin’s 20.25-inch Micro-Groove barrel with 12 shallow grooves and a 1:38 RH twist, delivering consistent accuracy with both Magnum and Special loads. The JM proof mark confirms original manufacture in Marlin’s Connecticut facility.
The receiver is a solid-top, side-eject design drilled and tapped for optics, making scope installation straightforward while preserving classic lines. A half-cock hammer serves as the primary safety, reflecting pre-cross-bolt production and keeping the rifle true to late-1970s configuration.
Walnut furniture includes a straight-grip stock and matching forend, both fitted with sling swivel studs and a vented rubber recoil pad. The 14-inch length of pull suits most shooters while maintaining traditional lever-gun handling.
A gold-washed single-stage trigger adds a period-correct detail unique to late-1970s Marlin production runs. Iron sights consist of a serrated ramp front bead and an elevator-adjustable semi-buckhorn rear, giving a clear sight picture for hunting or range work.