[Mr Bowcat]

Hi Guys

I am currently looking around at 2nd hand Marlins. I have come across one or two that are listed as 1894S, but can't seem to find much info on this model.

Can anybody give me any info on what difference there is between an 1894S and a standard 1894?

Thanks,

Dan

 

[D Harry]

I think the S was the addition of the crossbolt safety.

 

[Mr Bowcat]

I think the S was the addition of the crossbolt safety.

OK, that's interesting. Any idea what year the safety was brought in?

Also, any issues with the crossbolt safety, or is it best to avoid?

Thanks,

Dan

 

[byf43]

I had an 1894S in .44 Magnum, that I bought second-hand.

It had a Micro-Groove barrel, but, it shot hardcast lead just a well as jacketed 'boolits'.

This rifle had a crossbolt safety, and it didn't bother me, at all.

Like a fool. . . . I sold it to a friend, with a terminal case of "I gotta have that."

 

[eaglesnest]

I am not sure what an "S" would mean today because all the levers now have the CBS. I just bought an original factory Marlin barrel from Numrich in 45 Colt that has Micro Groove rifling and was probably made in the early 90's and it says "1894S". There seem to be lots of 1894S of different calibers from back around the time of the new safety. Now because all newer guns have the safety they dropped the S it would seem as far as I know..

 

[DWB]

I think the 1894S, with the "S" moniker being to stand for "Sporter", was the last of the micro-grooved barreled 1894's. Following the use of ballard rifled barrels, the "S" was dropped.

There are way too many on this site that know way more about it than me, and I am sure they will be along any minute to correct me as necessary.

 

[Mr Bowcat]

Thanks for the input so far guys.

 

[D Harry]

S didn't stand for Sporter. The Sporter barrel was 22 inches.

 

[DWB]

S didn't stand for Sporter. The Sporter barrel was 22 inches.

Well, then I guess I don't know what the "S" stands for specifically in the 1894S, except that an 1894S was likely made before 1997 and has the micro-groove rifling.

 

[1895Gunner]

Hi Guys

I am currently looking around at 2nd hand Marlins. I have come across one or two that are listed as 1894S, but can't seem to find much info on this model.

Can anybody give me any info on what difference there is between an 1894S and a standard 1894?

Thanks,

Dan

According to Brophy's book (pages 217-218) the "S" was added to 1894 in the year 1984 after they added the cross bolt safety. That being said, all "plain" 1894 designations covered the 44 Mag models built between 1969 - 1984 (pre-safety).

 

[knorris948]

Hey Bowcat! Port or Starboard?
Keith

 

[planeflyer21]

The 1894S was so designated to differentiate between the previous non-cbs model and the safety model.

After a few years the "S" was dropped. My 1894 in .45 Colt has no "S" but does have the safety.

Jon

 

[Mr Bowcat]

Thanks for the info guys, it's much appreciated.

And Keith, the real question is bow or stern. ;D