My first vintage Marlin (photo)

Win 38-55

Win 38-55

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I have been collecting old Winchesters for years, but was afraid to start collecting Marlins since Winchesters kept me flat broke already. Then I borrowed a couple fine old Marlins from a local Marlin collector to make a calendar and couldn't resist any longer. Here is a photo of my first acquisition. It is a Marlin Model 93, 30-30 made in late 1922 or early 1923. The rifle has a 26" tapered octagon barrel. I think the original sights were replaced with a Marbles rear sight and a Marbles No. 5 front sight. Other than that, the rifle appears to be completely original and almost unused, with strong case colors on the receiver and at least 95% blue on the barrel and mag tube. The bore is immaculate, even immediately forward of the chamber. Next week I plan to take it over to the range and see how it shoots. Here's a photo ....

Marlin-93-large.jpg
 
Beautiful rifle! I admit that Marlins have always been my favourites over Winchesters. If you're interested in seeing some beautiful examples of classic Marlins, there's a fellow at MarlinOwners in the "Marlin Collectors" forum --- his name is Loggah and he's been posting pictures of some amazing Marlins in his collection.

Congratulations on a fine rifle... I wish it were mine :)
 
Nice Win 38-55:), and nice picture. I like'em both, Winchesters and Marlins but I'm primarily a shooter, not a collector. Winchester lever guns, I have only one and I've posted photo's of it in past. A model 71 deluxe.

Model71Winchester348WCF-1.jpg


I have a few Marlins, but the only one in the 'vintage' class is a model 94 in 44-40.

Marlin189444-40.jpg


The '94 I acquired when the opportunity presented itself. The reason, it was the first centerfire rifle I ever shot. Within the family, we had a cabin on the Bowron Lake chain of lakes and earlier on, hunting was possible to the boundry of the water/lake shore area. When Dad and my uncle were out looking for Moose, my cousin and I would sneek the 44-40 out for a little informal unauthorized 'target' practice on an old snag behind the cabin. Now, on occasion, it gets used at the range for offhand practice with 200gr cast bullet loads.
 
Win 38-55 said:
Sounds like you've had that '94 for a while and that it brings back good memories!
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You're quite correct. I was visiting Mum in Penticton a while back when 'some' of the relatives arrived. After being asked if I was still into shooting and hunting, and being the only other 'gun nut' in the family I was asked, if there was anything I was interested in. For the reason I mentioned in my previous post, my choice was the 44-40. And today, knowing there was a number of more desireable items available I could select from, no regrets in my initial choice. As with the Husqvarna Lightweight I inherited from my Dad, the 44-40 is a treasure and a keeper.
 
When Dad and my uncle were out looking for Moose, my cousin and I would sneek the 44-40 out for a little informal unauthorized 'target' practice on an old snag behind the cabin. Now, on occasion, it gets used at the range for offhand practice with 200gr cast bullet loads.
Click to expand...

Hmmm, this sounds strangely familiar except we'd sneak out the 6,5x55 Swede or the Petersen custom in 270. We was bad kids. Sadly they both went up with the house from a lightening strike.

Kirk, keep us posted on how it shoots. I have an 1893 in 25-36 here almost identical to yours except for condition. Loaded some rounds for it but haven't shot it yet.
 
;)
Win 38-55 said:
I have been collecting old Winchesters for years, but was afraid to start collecting Marlins since Winchesters kept me flat broke already. Then I borrowed a couple fine old Marlins from a local Marlin collector to make a calendar and couldn't resist any longer. Here is a photo of my first acquisition. It is a Marlin Model 93, 30-30 made in late 1922 or early 1923. The rifle has a 26" tapered octagon barrel. I think the original sights were replaced with a Marbles rear sight and a Marbles No. 5 front sight. Other than that, the rifle appears to be completely original and almost unused, with strong case colors on the receiver and at least 95% blue on the barrel and mag tube. The bore is immaculate, even immediately forward of the chamber. Next week I plan to take it over to the range and see how it shoots. Here's a photo ....

Marlin-93-large.jpg
Click to expand...

boy thats some nice lookin shootin iron;)
 
Great looking Marlin. Hard to find them in that kind of shape. I am a Winchester nut as well but from a mechanical standpoint the 1893 Marlin is superior to the 1894 Winchester. Less collector interest in Marlins than in Winchesters leads to decent prices for Marlins though. Not fishing for prices but I bet you got the 93 for a lot less than one would pay for a Win 94 in similar condition.
 
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