Ruger finally officially announced some big news in which lever-gun fans have been breathlessly waiting. The return of the Marlin Model 1894 Classic lever-action rifle in .44 Rem. Mag. is here! The iconic carbine returns with a very classic take on its traditional form.

Marlin Model 1894 Classic Lever-Action Returns in .44 Rem Mag

“We’re very excited to introduce our first Ruger-made Marlin Model 1894,” said Ruger President and CEO, Chris Killoy. “We have spent many months working to make this rifle the best it can be.”

The Model 1894 comes chambered in .44 Mag., sporting an American black walnut straight stock and forend. It comes with classic, crisp checkering as well. Blued and featuring a square finger lever, the alloy steel rifle comes fitted with a 20-inch cold hammer-forged barrel. The barrel utilizes 1:20 twist and comes with six-groove rifling. The rifle’s tubular magazine holds 10 rounds of .44 Magnum or 11 rounds of .44 Special.

Ruger CNC machines the receiver, lever and trigger guard plate from alloy steel forgings. The receiver exhibits a blued, sating finish. Adjustable semi-buckhorn sights provide fast target acquisition for woods hunting and the like. A soft rubber buttpad keeps the recoil push to a minimum. A positive, push-button, cross-bolt manual safety and traditional half-cock hammer complete the system.

“Our focus continues to be on quality,” continued Killoy. “We remain committed to making firearms worthy of John Marlin’s legacy. The fit and finish of this rifle is reminiscent of what was produced by Marlin craftsmen in New Haven, CT many decades ago.” 

Ruger-Built Marlins

The 1894 Classic follows the Ruger-made Marlin Model 336 and Model 1895. It becomes the next Marlin rifle to bear the “Mayodan, NC” and “RM” Ruger-made markings and serial number prefix. It also sports a red and white “bullseye” in the stock, adding to the classic appeal.

Ruger plans additional models, branching out in both calibers and configurations. The strong demand will no doubt make this rifle and follow-ups in the line extremely hard to get at times.

For more info, please visit marlinfirearms.com.

Editor’s Note:

Ruger is simply killing it when it comes to bringing out exactly the guns most Marlin fans are clamoring for. Only issue they seem to have is making enough of them fast enough to quench the thirst from collects, shooters and hunters. The Marlin Model 1894 remains one of those classic firearms talked around campfires and hunting camps everywhere. We fully expect these Ruger-made editions to function every bit as good as they look. And they are stunners. Like Marlin says, “Long Live the Lever Gun!”

Marlin Model 1894 Classic Specs