Ruger Made Marlin Rifles

[Dorian Gray]

Against my better judgment, I sold a beautiful Henry case colored octagonal barreled 44 mag earlier this year. It was an exceptionally beautiful rifle that handled very well. Albeit, a bit front heavy from the barrel weight.

I've regretted that decision ever since. So I decided to replace the rifle.

I just ordered a Marlin 1894 Guide Gun in 44 mag. This one specifically:

https://www.marlinfirearms.com/s/model_70917/

I know that there are likely few people who own this particular rifle in country just yet. But I figured I would ask those who have purchased Ruger made Marlin rifles about their experiences with them. How are fit and finish? Accuracy? Handling?

I've owned JM rifles (still own a 1980 vintage 336 in 35 Remington that was my father's and will never leave my possession) and Remington made Marlins. My father's rifle, is and always has been, a great rifle. The others, not so much. Jamming and misaligned irons being the main reoccurring problems.

Has Ruger made these rifles well? Is the quality there? It better be for an 1800$ rifle.

Just interested in others experiences with them. Thanks.

 

[Blazer rncr]

I have a ruger made Marlin 45-70 and 44 mag trappers. The fit and finish is exceptional and they’re dream to handle. Have owned numerous Henry’s and would take a ruger made Marlin over a henry every time.

Hope you enjoy your new Marlin when it arrives.

 

[elKrusto]

I had a two brand new Ruger/Marlin 1894 sbl 44 magnums. I sent one back right away because they didn't even bother to crown the muzzle properly. See attached pictures...... talk about absolute garbage quality control.
I played with the second one for a while and while it was put together very well and functioned flawlessly, it was not as accurate as the two Miroku 92's that I had sold to buy the Marlins..... I also didn't like how the rear peep sight was wobbly back and forth. No doubt it worked fine but for $2000 I just couldn't get over it. I scoped it because the wobbly sight just plain bothered me.
The Miroku's are far superior rifles and I regret selling them now. (they were 2011 shot show special 16 inch barrel models).

 

[Tvw]

Had a few of the Ruger made units. For the price I felt like I upgraded when I got into the Rossi R95 line.

As stated above, it seems like it's due to popularity that Ruger has slacked on QC to rush these "new" rifles out to meet demand.

 

[M1akid]

Buy a timney trigger asap and you’ll be over the moon with it.

 

[Hitzy]

I grabbed one of the Rem carbines when they were around and cheap, 30-30 though, $750 new, nothing I could find to crap on, trigger is actually really nice, it's accurate, it works, it's alot heavier then it looks though. Nice gun thou, I don't think I'm a lever fan regardless, mechanics are amazing for late 1800 design.
Savage 99 would be more my type of lever.

 

[struff55]

Henry rifles are overrated and definitely over priced for the inferior metals used to manufacture them
investment cast pt metals /alumminium the marlins from any time frame are a much better rifle

 

[eco]

I had a two brand new Ruger/Marlin 1894 sbl 44 magnums. I sent one back right away because they didn't even bother to crown the muzzle properly. See attached pictures...... talk about absolute garbage quality control.
I played with the second one for a while and while it was put together very well and functioned flawlessly, it was not as accurate as the two Miroku 92's that I had sold to buy the Marlins..... I also didn't like how the rear peep sight was wobbly back and forth. No doubt it worked fine but for $2000 I just couldn't get over it. I scoped it because the wobbly sight just plain bothered me.
The Miroku's are far superior rifles and I regret selling them now. (they were 2011 shot show special 16 inch barrel models).

You just made me look over mine. Just got the 357 trapper today actually. Bought the 30-30 recently too.
5 rounds though each, both still brand new.
And seems the crowns aren't done as nicely. Either not done properly, or was dropped on the tip. What a disappointment.

I mean they are beautiful rifles, amazing handling, but the poor QC on the crowns for a not cheap - $2000 item just pïsses me off.

Debating now whether to have them re crowned. The Henry in comparison is nice and smooth, all around.
Was going to sell it, but will probably keep it.

New 357 crown



357 on left, 30-30 crown on right


Henry 357

 

[Dorian Gray]

Well, my rifle arrived. And it's absolutely gorgeous.

The only flaw seems to be that the barrel band on the forstock will not tighten down 100%, leaving it just ever so slightly loose. Not sure what I'll do yet, but I'll likely just shim it to eliminate the wobble.

I bought this rifle with the intention of using it as a short range utility rifle. To be used on hikes and while scouting hunting areas in the off season. Possibly also if i can secure permission to hunt on local farms that are closer to town and I want to limit my range.

Long term plans are a Midwest Industries front hand guard so as to be able to have a light attached to this thing when I'm hauling it around in the bush.

I'll give it a try tomorrow and see how well the irons are lined up.

Thanks to all who've replied. Anyone have any experience tricking these things out with aftermarket stocks? Looking to see if it's the kind of job I can do here at home or if it's best left to a professional.

 

[45CAT]

Lots of YouTube videos on the “tricking out”. There’s a guy who specializes in this,can’t remember his name

 

[KaneZoR]

Well, my rifle arrived. And it's absolutely gorgeous.

The only flaw seems to be that the barrel band on the forstock will not tighten down 100%, leaving it just ever so slightly loose. Not sure what I'll do yet, but I'll likely just shim it to eliminate the wobble.

I bought this rifle with the intention of using it as a short range utility rifle. To be used on hikes and while scouting hunting areas in the off season. Possibly also if i can secure permission to hunt on local farms that are closer to town and I want to limit my range.

Long term plans are a Midwest Industries front hand guard so as to be able to have a light attached to this thing when I'm hauling it around in the bush.

I'll give it a try tomorrow and see how well the irons are lined up.

Thanks to all who've replied. Anyone have any experience tricking these things out with aftermarket stocks? Looking to see if it's the kind of job I can do here at home or if it's best left to a professional.

I’ve got the magpul furniture on my Trapper, quite a bit cheaper than the aluminum options for forends and stocks, mlok slots galore to attach whatever you like.

Another good option to consider