[Harley86]

Hello everyone I had a Marlin 1894 in 44 mag 20 years ago and no longer have it long sad story. Anyways I have been trying to replace it for 20 years. I bought a Winchester 92 in 44 mag around 15 years ago it was ok but I really preferred the marlin. A couple of months ago I sold the Winchester and bought a Henry Big Boy 44 mag love this gun, however I still want a marlin 1894 in 44 mag. I have been doing some homework and am trying to figure out which one to buy from my studying it seems after 2008 they were sold to Remington and the quality went downhill. They were purchased by Ruger recently and it looks like they are doing a great job however as of now the 1894 is not available. I really would want a pre 1983 without the safety. However I would consider a 1983 to 2007 gun if the deal was right. Any advice or insights into the best years or the years to avoid would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance

 

[40nascar]

Avoid the Remlins! Any Jm Marlins in very good condition are worthwhile. Be prepared for sticker shock.

 

[Goldtrigger]

If you're willing to pay the current jacked up price for such a gun, I'd wait until Ruger came out with their version of it and let them $-rape-$ you instead. Better them doing it than some greedy scalper on the internet. At least you'd have the backing of the company should there be any quality issues as opposed to none if you buy from a private party

 

[40nascar]

You may be waiting a loonnngggg time for Ruger to start making this model. Suck it up and pay the going rate if you find one, and have the money. Make sure it is a real Marlin ( JM stamp ). As far as what era to buy: determine your criteria, I prefer pre 1983 without the crossbolt safety. That may not be a deal-breaker for you.

 

[joe45c]

I went really old school and bought one from the mid 1920s a couple years ago. Still works good and shoots good in .38-40. Since you were asking when they were made the best the old old ones have held up pretty good.

 

[40nascar]

Hello everyone I had a Marlin 1894 in 44 mag 20 years ago and no longer have it long sad story. Anyways I have been trying to replace it for 20 years. I bought a Winchester 92 in 44 mag around 15 years ago it was ok but I really preferred the marlin. A couple of months ago I sold the Winchester and bought a Henry Big Boy 44 mag love this gun, however I still want a marlin 1894 in 44 mag. I have been doing some homework and am trying to figure out which one to buy from my studying it seems after 2008 they were sold to Remington and the quality went downhill. They were purchased by Ruger recently and it looks like they are doing a great job however as of now the 1894 is not available. I really would want a pre 1983 without the safety. However I would consider a 1983 to 2007 gun if the deal was right. Any advice or insights into the best years or the years to avoid would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance

Well looks like Ruger announced the return of the 336 and 1894s at ShotShow last week. The 336's should start shipping in Feb, and the 1894s in April. Price tags will be about S1000 or so. I hear the wood will be very nice walnut. So, the wait is going to be a little shorter than I expected. Keep your eyes open, and jump on one when you spot it. Likely your earliest chance will be online distributors like Davidson's or Lipsey's.

Good luck.

 

[40nascar]

Hello everyone I had a Marlin 1894 in 44 mag 20 years ago and no longer have it long sad story. Anyways I have been trying to replace it for 20 years. I bought a Winchester 92 in 44 mag around 15 years ago it was ok but I really preferred the marlin. A couple of months ago I sold the Winchester and bought a Henry Big Boy 44 mag love this gun, however I still want a marlin 1894 in 44 mag. I have been doing some homework and am trying to figure out which one to buy from my studying it seems after 2008 they were sold to Remington and the quality went downhill. They were purchased by Ruger recently and it looks like they are doing a great job however as of now the 1894 is not available. I really would want a pre 1983 without the safety. However I would consider a 1983 to 2007 gun if the deal was right. Any advice or insights into the best years or the years to avoid would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance

I agree with your assessment. Avoid the Remlins. Get a JM stamped Marlin or Wait for the new Ruger/marlins that are coming shortly. The pre safety ones are more desirable in my opinion, but if you can score a later JM in excellent condition for $1000 or less, I would jump on it.