Was hoping someone can shed some light on two recently purchased 94 rifles of mine. So about 3-4 months ago I saw a new 1894CB 45LC and had to have it. It is a beautiful little rifle with a tapered 20” octagon glossy blue barrel, smooth wooden stocks with a smaller forend, and it has “1894 Cowboy Limited” stamped on the barrel. Today, I purchased a new 1894CB in 44 mag. It too is a beautiful gun but with a few differences from my 45LC. It has the smaller forend but checkered stocks, tapered octagon 20” barrel that I would describe as more of a satin blue instead of the “mirror” high gloss of the 45LC, and I noticed that the barrel is stamped simply “1894 Cowboy.” Now I am completely okay with these differences and I actually prefer them because it helps the two very similar rifles standout. I am mostly curious if anyone knows the difference between “Cowboy” and “Cowboy Limited?” This could be a coincidence but I do feel as if the 45LC has a noticeably smoother action that operates very easily. TBH, I haven’t felt thousands of Marlins but it is the smoothest one I have felt even from the time it was brand new. Any info would be appreciated!
eli_harper13
Not real sure, but a guess would be that the "Cowboy Limited" was made by the "old" Marlin company, and the new "Cowboy" is a Remlin. Check the serial numbers. On the newly purchased rifle, if the serial number starts with (I believe) "MR", it is a Remlin. The Cowboy Limited should have a serial number that starts with two numbers.
If I am mistaken, or have left anything out, I'm sure someone will come along shortly and correct me. lol.
If I am mistaken, or have left anything out, I'm sure someone will come along shortly and correct me. lol.
I have 2 Cowboys both JM the Checkered stock 336 38-55 is marked 336-CB, the plain stock 45colt is marked Cowboy Limited.
Maybe a plain stock is "special"?
John...
Maybe a plain stock is "special"?
John...
I haven't checked out the new remlins and am not even a partial expert on JMs.
Although Remington appears to be using model names similar to what Marlin used I wouldn't assume they have anything in common as far as trim levels or whatever else may have at one time been associated with a JM product.
Yeah I trust Remington as far as I can throw them alright.
Although Remington appears to be using model names similar to what Marlin used I wouldn't assume they have anything in common as far as trim levels or whatever else may have at one time been associated with a JM product.
Yeah I trust Remington as far as I can throw them alright.
WELCOME to THE Forum, eli harper13! Enjoy your new disease, “Marlinitis.” JM’s are in your future, brother! But that’s fine...we all suffer together here.
I did not realize Remlin was making Cowboys. This could cause me to consider one in .44. I never picked up a .44 Cowboy while they were made in CT. I do wish they would change the twist.
I have a 99 JM 1894 CB LTD 44MAG 24". It has the checkered stock, which I don't care for, but the barrel is not highly polished. It has a nice blued finish on it tho.
There are many different Limited runs that were for Davidsons. You may see one marked Limited III for example.
There are many different Limited runs that were for Davidsons. You may see one marked Limited III for example.
Mine is an 1894 CB ltd, chambered in 357 mag, made in 2008 before Remington took over. It has a straight stock, no checkering and octagon barrel. It's a hoot to shoot.
From what I can gather, Marlin is in a transition period with their 1894CB line.
The newest 1894CB's have satin octagon barrels, plus they now have checkered stocks (much like the standard 1894's do except the CB's have a much slimmer and better fitting forearm stock).
Polished octagon barrels seem to only be available on the "Limited Edition" models (with engraved receivers and the gold Marlin logo).
I think your first 1894CB (.45 Colt) was made prior to the change in the 1894CB line, and your second 1894CB (.44 mag) was made soon after the change.
Both look fantastic. I would have a difficult time choosing which one I like better.
I personally think you are lucky to have one of each.
Very nice!
The newest 1894CB's have satin octagon barrels, plus they now have checkered stocks (much like the standard 1894's do except the CB's have a much slimmer and better fitting forearm stock).
Polished octagon barrels seem to only be available on the "Limited Edition" models (with engraved receivers and the gold Marlin logo).
I think your first 1894CB (.45 Colt) was made prior to the change in the 1894CB line, and your second 1894CB (.44 mag) was made soon after the change.
Both look fantastic. I would have a difficult time choosing which one I like better.
I personally think you are lucky to have one of each.
Very nice!
Cowboy Limiteds came with both 20" and 24" barrels... all 20" are smooth (non-checkered), the 24" came in either smooth or checkered versions....
I just bought a New Haven .45LC Limited, made in 2000, I like that the edges of the flats on the barrel aren't rounded off.
That's the only thing that ticks me off about my 2014 1895 CBA, the edges of the flats are so rounded, the barrel looks round until you get close up.
Somebody at the "New" Marlin plant must fall asleep at the buffing wheel quite often.
That's the only thing that ticks me off about my 2014 1895 CBA, the edges of the flats are so rounded, the barrel looks round until you get close up.
Somebody at the "New" Marlin plant must fall asleep at the buffing wheel quite often.
I have "JM" Cowboy Limited's. They are 24" barrels. Here is the .357 I believe they are Davidson.
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