Model 94 (1922+ I think) 32-20 - Identification help and questions (pictures)

[ADB]

This is a gun that has been sitting in my gun-case for about ten years now (since my grandfather passed away), and has been to the range 2 or 3 times in that time. My interest in it has been revived after finding some old photos of my great-grandfather with the gun. One shows him standing over 6 coyotes with the gun equipped with a silencer dated sometime around 1925-1930, maybe a little later(sorry no scanner). The other photos show him with deer during the depression (one large 4x5 black-tail in one, and two small bucks and two does in the other) (he hunted/poached during that time for his family and several other families survival). My great-grandfather gave it to my grandfather, who left it to my mother when he was killed in action during WWII. After that my step-grandfather (grandpa to me, only one I knew) used it hunting small game and deer, but went blind from glaucoma starting in the late 70s, and could no longer shoot at all but '88 (he was a champion trap and skeet shooter in Oregon before that) after which the rifle was shelved until 1998 when it was passed on to me at his passing. It shoots well, though the rear sight isn't aligned quite right, and if I remember right I shot 5ish inch groups at 75-100 yards with 80 grain Winchester Super-X ammunition from the 70s or 80s. It's chambered for 32-20, is 43" overall, with a 26" tapered octagon barrel with a receiver for a silencer. The serial number is 419XXX - I haven't been able to find a site that will accept numbers that large for Model 94s. The rear sling loop has been removed and the hole was filled with a peg that matches the stock in finish - I can't see it in any of the photos but that part of the stock is not visible so I have no idea when this was done. I know next to nothing about Marlins, but from the research I have done I believe this is one of the late Model 94s that was made using left over parts from 93s (source lost/forgotten). Any information at all that can be provided about this gun would be greatly appreciated. Any leads to a Maxim Silencer even more so. An approximate price isn't needed but would be nice (this gun is never leaving my family if I can help it, but good to know for insurance reasons). Thank you again in advance.. if any other pictures would help I can provide them.

[georgeky]

Wow! What a great rifle and a takedown to boot. I suspect it is worth a good price. Check out the Reference Library down the main forum page. Lots of info on production years there.

Welcome to MO's.

[Snew]

Smart man. Keep that gun!

As an aside, I'm going to put a can on my 45/70. Levers make great, quiet guns!

[ADB]

I've been semi-fascinated by this gun since I found those photos and started looking into it... and some calls to family members helped to fill in some of it's history. After a few days of not being able to find a picture or description of a similar Model 94 I really started to wonder just what I had. This is currently the only Marlin I own but I don't think it will be for long... I've been trying to decide on a gun to give my nephew this Christmas that he can use deer hunting and a 336 is at the top of the list now.. right next to a Savage 99 (another gun with a lot of family history.. I have one with 27 notches in the stock for deer and 7 for bear - the only gun my other grandfather ever used deer hunting).

[georgeky]

Watch out for Marlinitis. Can never be cured, and we tend to spread it around here. The 336 will make a fine first rifle for your nephew. I would be picky about the 99.

[old goat]

...Wow! You're lucky to have a rifle with all that history. Nice rifle, and it's a bit out of the ordinary too.

...old goat

[Leverdude]

Nice gun for sure!

I can add a little info but recomend you ask in the collectors forum further down the page.

You are right about it being a late model 94. After I think ww1 they started calling them 94's, earlier guns were 1894's & marked like that on the tang.
You are mistaken about them useing left over 1893 parts. The 1893 was a longer action for what we now call rifle cartriges like 38/55 & 32/40 among others. The 32/20 IS a rifle round too but they chambered it along with 44/40, 38/40, & 25/20 in the model 1894 & 94. Your guns predecessor was actually the Marlin model 1889 & some early 1894's were made up useing 1889 recievers & other parts as they are very similar.
You dont mention it but your gun is also a take down model. Being pistol grip, take down & threaded for a silencer I'd think it would bring a few more dollars than a similar condition standard 94 but wouldn't attempt to set a price.

A piece to be proud of for certain!

[Schtoolee]

This looks to be a very rare example of a Model 94. Most were made with 24" barrels, and straight stocks and I dought many were takedowns.
A few more questions and pictures might be helpful. I need to now what it says on the barrel as to "Marlin Firearm Corporation" or" Marlin Firearm Company". Also a picture of the top of the receiver(different sights mounting holes were put into receiver after certain years). And dose the stock have the Marlin "Bullseye" mounted in it?

After 1906 it is hard to pin down a date exactly, but we might be able to come close. According to the "Brophy Book" the "Model 94" production started around 1929-35, but it even looks like he had a hard time finding info about that time and model. Yours might point out to be earlier.

Hopefully some of the more learned members will chime in on this. I am going to a gunshow right now but will do some more research and check back later.

And Welcome to MO's

[44-40 Willy]

You might get some more responses on this in the Collector's forum. Those guys would love to see this.

[ADB]

On the top of the barrel, in front of the rear sight, is stamped - "MARLIN FIRE-ARMS CO. NEW-HAVEN, CT. U.S.A.", and below that - "PATENTED OCT.11 1887. APRIL 1889 AUGUST 1 1893." periods and commas are correct. That and "32-20" on the top of the barrel by the receiver and the serial number on the bottom of the receiver are the only markings on the gun that I can find. Oh, and "Marlin. Model '94." on the tang.