[Klondike Mike]

Hi; After a very long search I recently acquired an 1894 Octagon 44 Mag. It's a very nice lightly used example and seems correct in every way. The serial number starts with 72 indicating a 1972 production year not 27 indicating 1973. According to Brophy's book this series of guns was only available in 1973. So, here's the questions for the collectors. Did Marlin begin this series in 1973 with serialized receivers from 1972? And if so; how many of the 2957 units were assembled with the 1972 serial numbers? Thanks in advance; Mike

 

[1895Gunner]

Mike, welcome to MO from central Florida! Not sure of the answer to your question however somebody will come along and provide it.

 

[gewehr]

Hi Klondike Mike,
First of all, congrats on finding a rare Marlin model! Sorry I can't help with model 1894 specifics, but I have the 336 from the same year; I believe most of the 2,414 produced in this model have a 1972 serial number, as they were made with excess barrels from the Zane Grey commemorative model, and then offered for sale in 1973. Maybe all of the tooling and setup were in place and production was "easy" late in 1972? Below are pictures of my recent find model 336 octagon - also a "72xxx" series:

 

[Klondike Mike]

Wow! That's a real nice 336 Octagon but mine is a 1894 Octagon in 44 Magnum. Thanks for posting; Mike

 

[pierrotd68]

Hi

I also did acquire several years ago in France a 1894 octogon barrel 44 mag rifle with serial number 72124760 which should correspond to 1972 year of production.

On your model , is there also a trap in the butt plate like on the winchester 73 ?

Thanks in advance

Pierre