So a buddy of mine asked me if I have any interest in an old Marlin 1893 in 38-55 . The serial put it as a 1903 manufacture , the gun is in overall decent shootable shape wit a bit of pitting near the finger lever on the bottom plate and there appears to be an extra screw in the bottom on the tang at the rear. shows a really nice patina with very little surface rust. I would post a few pics but frankly photo bucket has had a hate on for my posting abilities for close to a year.lol
Marlin 1893 rough value
- Thread starter Jeepguy
- Start date
I can only offer my opinion on the two I've had recently.
Bought a wonderful example of a 19 teen rifle with plenty of case colouring at the calgary show for less than I think it is worth at 500.
And sold an octagon barreled 3030 with less finish for a touch more than that.
Condition condition condition
Bought a wonderful example of a 19 teen rifle with plenty of case colouring at the calgary show for less than I think it is worth at 500.
And sold an octagon barreled 3030 with less finish for a touch more than that.
Condition condition condition
If you can buy it for $500.00 or less, get right on it.!
I bought a 1906 manufactured Marlin 1893 in 30-30 for a song. Outside had been re-done, and a nice job too, but negates collector status.
When I received it, I was quite happy....octagon, medium heavy barrel, nice tight action. Marked "Special Smokeless Steel"
The bore was another story....hardly any rifling left, looked like a stovepipe after burning wet pine wood.
Sent it off to Ron Smith, who did his magic on it....bored it and re-rifled it to 38-55. It shoots very well, indeed, and is definitely a keeper now.
I will take it whitetail hunting this fall...make it earn it's keep.
Regards, Dave.
I bought a 1906 manufactured Marlin 1893 in 30-30 for a song. Outside had been re-done, and a nice job too, but negates collector status.
When I received it, I was quite happy....octagon, medium heavy barrel, nice tight action. Marked "Special Smokeless Steel"
The bore was another story....hardly any rifling left, looked like a stovepipe after burning wet pine wood.
Sent it off to Ron Smith, who did his magic on it....bored it and re-rifled it to 38-55. It shoots very well, indeed, and is definitely a keeper now.
I will take it whitetail hunting this fall...make it earn it's keep.
Regards, Dave.
fingers284
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
Just a little advise on the early Marlins, especially the 38-55 and 38-56 calibers, they are notorious for having over-sized bores, (I've seen them slug at .383with no noticeable wear on the lands)...accuracy may be "good at under 2'', adequate at 2-3", or terrible ive seen them at 8" ", no telling until you test it yourself. If you buy the gun and handload with the ability to mess with bullet diameters and hardness you will love the gun... if not and accuracy is your aim, you probably will be a handloader shortly.
Even tho I call the 38-55 "the most frustrating cartridge ever made" (and Ive owned a few) I won't hesitate to buy another just for the fact that ,besides loving the Marlins, the sense of accomplishment when you finally get one to shoot is very rewarding.
Even tho I call the 38-55 "the most frustrating cartridge ever made" (and Ive owned a few) I won't hesitate to buy another just for the fact that ,besides loving the Marlins, the sense of accomplishment when you finally get one to shoot is very rewarding.
