Need help to ID older lever action :-)

Daniel

Daniel

CGN Regular
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Location
Thunder Bay, ON
Okay boys and girls, Trivia:

I have a lever action that I want to (first) confirm the model, and then get your recommendations on "restoration".

The rifle has high sentimental value to my father in law but it's essentially mine (though officially) registered to him for the next little while. He wants me to have it restored "for him" :D . From what I can read, I believe it's a Marlin Model 1880 (potentially a marlin/Ballard) No. 4 Perfection Model :)redface: ) On the Octagonal barrel :D (I loves dat!) it reads: (quotes)

Marlin Fire Arms Co. New Haven Ct. USA.
Pat Feb 7 '65 Jan 7 '73 Sept 4 '75 Nov 19+25 '73 June 3 '79 Dec 9 '79 Nov 9 BC. Reissue Nov 9 1880

(edited to add: it's a 38-55)

(seriously, that's all written in front of the rear sight:redface: ) On the rear sight, there is an "R" in a circle. The serial # (in front of the lever on the bottom of the rifle) is in the 17,### range. It's in pretty rough shape, but I think it can be restored. It looks like it had a "case-hardened" action, but someone tried to "fix" it.

My father in law found it under a barn, some 45 years ago. His dad then started using it for moose. I would call it an 1880, but I dunno if that makes sense with all those dates.

I would like to get it "servicable", safe, and as attractive as possible. Can you confirm the model (Damn I love that octagon barrel) and recommend a good restoration gunsmith. This is the new project!:D Pics to follow, thanks in advance.

Dan
 
Marlin Rifle I.d.

Hi, Sounds Like You Have A Model 1881 Marlin Lever Action Rifle,its The Third Model Or Issue In 38-55 The First And Second Issues Came In 40-65 And Other Large Calibers. Bryan. I Have One In 40-65 Cal, Heavy But Neet Old Gun.about $1000 In Great Condition.
 
okay, pics are in. pheck I'm bad with a digital camera.
Here she is:
397531.jpg

397532.jpg


I think it may be an 1893 based on MadDog's photos.

hmmmm, where to start
D

I think I'll find some synthetic stocks, do a krylon camo job, put a bipod, scope and sling on 'er, and sight in for 500m:p (yes, I know):p :D :p :D :p
 
wicked, thanks. I joined up and posted (what a first post) :rolleyes: It looks like an 1881 I saw on the page, but I'll keep you posted. Thank you very much.

Dan
 
From one of the guys at "the other forum" :D

Daniel;

You have a "small frame" Marlin Model 1881. With a serial number in the 17,000 range, it would have been shipped from the factory in New Haven, Ct. in about 1887.
The small frame Model 1881 was made in .32-40 and .38-55 calibers. There are 5,348 small frame Model 1881's listed in the factory records, of which, 3,563 are the .38-55 caliber.
Your gun appears to be a pretty standard version (except for barrel length). Standard barrel length was 28 inches but 24 and 26 were available. Rear sight looks correct, but cannot tell about the front sight in the picture as it is a little dark.
From what I see, this gun does not need "restoring". It appears to be a gun with normal wear and tear on a gun that is 119 year old. Refinishing this old gun will destroy the value of it as an antique and then you will have just an old shooter. Everytime someone refinishes an old, original gun there is one less fine, original antique gun to pass on to the next generations.
I hope this helps."

great.
(So I guess it's an 1881) guess I'll have to use it as is :D :p
 
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