Marlin Model 97 .22 S/L/LR Takedown Lever-Action Rifle, 24 Inch Blued Barrel, 1916 WWI Era, 19+1 Capacity
Made in 1916, this U.S.-made Marlin Model 97 is a WWI-era takedown lever-action chambered for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle. It features a 24 inch round blued barrel, a 19+1 capacity full-length tubular magazine with a removable inner tube, and straight-grip walnut furniture with a steel shotgun-style buttplate. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a tang aperture sight, and the rifle retains clear model, caliber, and barrel address markings.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Fouling: Moderate Fouling - Lead or copper fouling with noticeable buildup.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: There is a large crack on the underside of the forend. The receiver shows moderate pitting.
What’s Included
- Marlin Model 97 .22 S/L/LR takedown lever-action rifle (1916)
- Removable inner magazine tube (installed)
The Model 97’s takedown receiver uses a large coin-slotted side screw, allowing the rifle to break down for compact storage and transport. This is a defining feature of the platform and remains a desirable configuration for period Marlin rimfires.
Chambered for .22 S, L, and LR, this rifle carries a 19+1 capacity in its full-length tubular magazine with a front-loading removable inner tube. The 24 inch round steel barrel wears a blued finish, matching the rifle’s period-correct appearance.
Sighting is traditional: a dovetailed blade/bead front sight pairs with a semi-buckhorn rear sight with elevator. The upper tang is drilled and tapped with two holes for a tang aperture sight, adding flexibility for precision sighting options of the period.
Furniture includes a straight-grip walnut stock with a steel shotgun-style buttplate and a matching walnut forearm capped with a steel fore-end cap. The length of pull measures 13.5 inches. Markings include a barrel address with patent dates, tang legend "Marlin / MOD. 97," and caliber stamp ".22 S, L & LR."