Marlin Model 1895 Light-Weight Half-Magazine .33 WCF Lever-Action Rifle | 22" Special Smokeless Steel Barrel, Pre-WWI Production
This Marlin Model 1895 Light-Weight Half-Magazine rifle was built between 1912 and 1917 and chambers the potent .33 Winchester Center Fire cartridge. A scarce variant with a 22-inch round Special Smokeless Steel barrel and five-round tubular magazine, it represents one of the final large-frame Marlins made before World War I halted civilian production. Collectors value these rifles for their limited numbers, distinctive half-magazine profile, and solid pre-WWI construction.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Specific Condition Notes: Considering its age and rarity, the rifle remains in great shape. Even patina with scattered scuffs, scratches, and small areas of pitting adds to its authentic vintage appearance.
What’s Included
- Marlin Model 1895 Light-Weight Half-Magazine .33 WCF lever-action rifle
The 22-inch round barrel is roll-marked “Special Smokeless Steel” and “33 C.F.” and carries diamond proof marks, verifying factory originality. “Marlin Safety” is stamped on the receiver top, a hallmark of the era.
Built on Marlin’s large frame, this Light-Weight model trims weight by pairing the shorter barrel with a half-length, five-round magazine tube. Fewer than 18,000 Model 1895s were produced before 1917, and the .33 WCF Light-Weight subset is significantly rarer, enhancing its collectibility.
The rifle retains its factory blued carbon-steel receiver and barrel, complemented by an uncheckered straight-grip walnut stock, matching forend, and a steel shotgun-style buttplate. The 13.25-inch length of pull offers classic handling characteristics.
Sighting is handled by a silver-blade front and an elevator-adjustable buckhorn rear, giving the shooter a period-correct sight picture. An exposed hammer and two-piece firing-pin safety system provide simple, reliable operation.