Marlin 1893 in 38-55 Price and guidence (help)

[RHOUSER]

I put an 1893 Marlin in 38-55 on hold for pickup tomorrow at the LGS. It was on the used gun rack and it is my birthday today. I left it there and drove home (about 25 miles). The more I thought about it, the more I wanted it. I called and had it pulled for me. I will do a final inspection in the morning. This does not appear to be a replica. What does worry me a bit is that the barrel is stamped with a Black Powder Only message. Does this sound right? The gun has well worn case hardening on the receiver and maybe the barrel (or the bluing has gone grey). If my memory serves, it appeared to be a 26 or 28 inch full octagonal barrel. I will take a tape with me tomorrow.

The asking price is 750.00 dollars. I am tempted to just pay it. Opinions on a fair price are welcome.

This is Marlinitis at it's worst. I have 2 1894's, 2 336's, 1 336 Octagon, and of course the mandatory 45-70 SS Guide Gun (non-ported). I really NEED a 1893 38-55 don't I?

Can anyone tell me what to look out for (besides the standard Marlin checks)?

[Mr Merde]

Not sure of the prices for one of these over where you live.

I paid $950 NZ for mine.

The stamp on the barrel-- Blackpowder Only

I have this. They are what is called B grade rifles made after 1900, mine has it and was made in 1906

Marlin had a number of barrels left over from the black powder days and made these rifles up with them.

The steel is good quality but not up to the pressure levels put out by modern powder.

My rifle is in 32-40 and i shoot it with BP. Its really addictive.

Hope this has helped a little

Chris

[lever addict]

Check the bore real good with a bore light. The hardest thing is to find an old 1893 with a good bore. More so with black powder barrels. If the bore is bad then what good is the rifle. A reline is $400 and up!

As far as a 38-55 goes...I love mine!

[JBledsoe]

.

Lever addict is right on, check that bore. If the bore is not bright and shiny, you had best move on.
38-55 is an excellent caliber.

[RHOUSER]

Does the bolt pull in the same way as the 94 and 336? Drop the lever, undo the lever screw, and then pull the bolt? I really want to get a good look at the bore. thanks rc

[Shenandoah]

If I remember correctly, yes the bolt removes the same. Same as the model 36 and 336. I'm sure a '93' owner will correct me if my memory is faulty.
As far as price, here in west Texas a 38-55 is very rarely seen, and in a 1893 model never. I was watching a 32-40 Winchester with a sprung frame they wanted $750+ for.
A rifle is only worth what you are willing to pay, but remember they aren't making 1893's any more. What is out there is what there is. Heck the Dutch are making land to use, but no more 38-55 marlins are being made. Don't know what your final cost would be, but I have seen some rifles with less than pristine barrels that shot fairly well. A reline would not be out of order for a rifle with honest wear.
Either way, good luck and remember we love pictures. Shenandoah

[Wind]

Hey there RHOUSER -- Shenandoah got it right!! Best regards. Wind

[Shenandoah]

If you buy the 38-55 and wring it out, remember to take the others out of the safe once in awhile. Most 38-55's like to be treated special, and once you figure out what it's needs are it's a hard caliber to beat. Shenandoah

[Levergunz]

The 1893 has to be an original,since no one makes a replica that I've ever seen or heard about.$750 does not seem out of line if its in decent condition.The blackpowder only was a "B" rifle which sold for a few $ less,although it was my belief that the receivers and barrels were blued.The case colors were on the smokless steel rifles.The bolt does remove the same as the 336.The ejecter can fall out easily as they sit in a machined pocket.The ejectors are commonly found with a broken spring.Sometimes the firing pins will be found broken.These parts can be found at Wisners.Very difficult to find these old ones with great bores.I've come across many with bores with a frosty look that still shoot great.I would check the buttstock in the wrist area for cracks also.26" octagon barrel is the most common.From the receiver forward the barrel will measure 1/2" shorter then the real length.The most accurate way to measure the barrel is a cleaning rod thru the bore with the bolt closed.Make a mark on the cleaning rod then measure the length with the tape measure.The buttstock can be of the cresent shape or the bent "S" curved shape.Good luck.

[RHOUSER]

Well, I bought it. The wood is good even nice everywhere. No cracks, no dings, no discolorations. The metal is nice everywhere, no pitting, no rust. The screws and fittings are all perfect and complete. The barrel is very clean and bright with sharp lands and no pitting. The action is smooth. Some case coloring still on the receiver. Now the bad news. The original rear sight on the barrel is missing and fitted with a blank (modern bluing). The receiver has been tapped for a scope mount (I think). The tap screws go right through the Marlin Safety stamp. It is not tapped with 2 sets of 2. It is tapped with a set of two in the rear and a single tap in the front of the receiver. (3 tapped holes with set screws in place). There is a basic rear tang sight installed. It looks to be an old design. The loading gate looks to have been replaced in that is has a full bluing on it. Of course the state computers are down so now I can't take it till Monday. The sn is 4186xx. Anyone want to guess at the year? thanks rc