[RGR]

About a year back, this area lost one of its nicest and most knowledgeable Marlin guys. Thats the sad thing about going to guns shows, if one has been doing them for decades, every one, seems like another (or at times multiple) old compadre is missing.

Anyway, at the time I had scored a 93 Sporting carbine, he allowed that "they are pretty rare". In fact, he said he had looked for a good one for a long time, and was still looking.

I stumbled into another not that long back, but by then, he had passed, so another local buddy got it.

All things equal, how rare are they? Were they only in the 93? thanks, Ron

 

[Parley Baer]

We need a definition of terms. The Model 1893 was made from 1893 to around 1920 or so. The Model 93 was made from say late 1921 to 1935.

In the Model 93 they are not all that rare. They appear to be made from 1921 to at least 1934. Maybe with the internet and sites like Gunbroker it becomes easier to find such items as a Model 93 sporting carbing. If we are talking about the Model 1893 I really don't want to guess as my focus of study has been the Model 93.

 

[marlinman93]

I can't say how rare they are, but I see less SC's than I do takedowns, regular carbines, or PG '93's/1893's. They did make a "baby carbine" on the 1894 that is similar, but doesn't have the hard rubber buttplate. The true SC is unique to the '93/1893 model.

 

[RGR]

its for sure 93. Odd thing is, Flaydermans does not mention it, while Fjiesteds mentions a first and second 1893 Carbine, and then an "1893 Sporting Carbine" which describes my gun perfectly, except it has 93 on the tang.

My late friend also allowed there was some bit of confusion concerning it with collectors.

Bout the only difference I can see, is the flat buttplate, and 2/3 tube over a typical carbine.

Will be happy to post a photo if it would help. thanks, Ron

 

[loggah]

RGR, i have one of those sporting carbines, its the only one i have seen around this area. Don

 

[loggah]

Ron, Post a picture, everyone likes gun pictures!!! ;D ;D i probably post a picture of mine along with the information for the guys here researching them. Don

 

[loggah]

Here is a picture of the sporting carbine i have, says Marlin model 93 on the tang along with a star,its in 32 special, with a bullseye in the buttstock,serial number 1118.

 

[Parley Baer]

You have quite a collection of nice Marlins. ;D

 

[RGR]

Looks a whole lot like yours. Mines a 30 30, sadly, a reproduction tang sight for accuracy experiments, and a re production butt plate with MSA in a circle. My late friend Linville Phillips said he thought it was supposed to have a buttplate, MARLIN, and he had an extra, which I tried, but it was near 1/2 inch too long. Bore is near perfect, barrel about 80% original blue, and traces of mottling on the action, along with maybe 40% original finish on wood.

This gun came from Reno, and for a NV gun, is in surprising condition. The other sporting 93 I had, was typical gray/silver, and had seen a lot of use, probably by sheep herders or ranchers, where a gun is just a tool. This one has a serial 8###

 

[Parley Baer]

RGR, do we have your rifle in our data base? If not I would like to add it.

 

[City Slicker]

Those are great looking rifles fellas....I have Marlin envy. ;D

 

[marlinman93]

Looks a whole lot like yours. Mines a 30 30, sadly, a reproduction tang sight for accuracy experiments, and a re production butt plate with MSA in a circle. My late friend Linville Phillips said he thought it was supposed to have a buttplate, MARLIN, and he had an extra, which I tried, but it was near 1/2 inch too long. Bore is near perfect, barrel about 80% original blue, and traces of mottling on the action, along with maybe 40% original finish on wood.

This gun came from Reno, and for a NV gun, is in surprising condition. The other sporting 93 I had, was typical gray/silver, and had seen a lot of use, probably by sheep herders or ranchers, where a gun is just a tool. This one has a serial 8###

Small world in Marlin collecting! Linville was a great guy, and I always enjoyed getting together with him at Reno. We had another mutual friend; the late Bud Forbes. Linville and I often enjoyed showing our Marlin finds to each other at the show.

 

[RGR]

RGR, do we have your rifle in our data base? If not I would like to add it.

Would be happy too, I have several vintage Marlins if you are interested. But just what is this "data base"? I have seen it mentioned, is it available to examine? Just let me know what you need, Ron Ryder

 

[Parley Baer]

RGR, I sent you a PM.

 

[Evan]

Model 93 sporting carbine

I own a model 93 30-30 sporting carbine and need some help dating it. There is no bullseye on the stock. The metal ring (don't know what its called) in front of the forestock does not extend all the way around the magazine and barrel. It extends around the magazine and 1/4 way up the barrel. Here are more details:


Barrel markings:

• Special smokeless steel
• Marlin Firearms Co, New-Haven, CT. U.S.A.
• PAT'D OCT. 11, 1887. APRIL 2, 1889. AUG. 1, 1893
• There is no star on the barrel (or tang)

Receiver markings:

• Marlin Safety

Tang behind hammer:

• Marlin MODEL 93

Butt plate:

• Hard rubber - stamped "Marlin"

Serial # - A1266

 

[GaCop]

Those are great looking rifles fellas....I have Marlin envy. ;D

+1, just beautiful!

 

[the judge]

It sounds like you have a rifle version with the 2/3 magazine.The Model 93 Sporting Carbine has the barrel band
that does go all the way around the magazine and the barrel.You didn't mention the length of the barrel but I
would bet that it has a 20 inch barrel as almost all Model 93's with the serial number under the lever and with
the letter A prefix do.Also with a lot of these rifles you will find some with the lever with a little differen't design
in that it doesn't have the tab on top near the back of the lever,the top is rounded just like the bottom.Parley
thinks the are very late production Model 93's and I agree maybe around 1930 till around 1935 with the end
of production of the Model. These seem to show up with the round, octagon,and half octagon barrels.

 

[Schtoolee]

I have one of the second versions. I believe made in 1935 it has the rounded muzzle like the L serial numbered one's made that year, but has a Cxx serial number.
Parley Baer already has my info. I paid $250 for it back in 1987. It is a 30-30. Still has case showing and has 98% blue. This has the steel S-buttplate and the rounder lever.No bullseye.
Also has a dovetail front sight, were the early ones have the sold mount with an insert.

 

[ericboj]

I just want to say those are some very nice looking Model 93's everyone was posting pics of and I hope to get myself a carbine Model 93 someday too.

 

[Parley Baer]

Evan, you may have a 20" barreled rifle which is quite common in the A series. What you are seeing is the forarm cap. See the posted pictures in posts 12 and 18 for a sporting carbine. Is the barrel round? I also assume the location of the serial number is on the lower tang under the lever/ Parley