First two digits of the serial # determine age of most Marlins. If the rifle has two numbers then subtract that from 100 and the answer is the year made. EXAMPLE - - If ser# begins with 99 then 100 - 99 = 2001 IF 25 then 100 - 25 = 1975.

If the serial # starts with "MR" you have a recently built REMLIN as we call them here...

Some rifles are special issues or limited editions will have other unique numbers - check the link below to find ALL Marlin serials -

Marlin Years of Manufacture


As to factory ammo for target shooting I like the Hornady Lever Evolutions, Remington CORELOKS are probably a bit less money but not that much. You will also get many notes to RELOAD YOURSELF. I don't listen to them myself :ahhhhh:

OHH! and welcome to the Marlin Family ! ! :tee:

GB45

 

Subtract the first 2 numbers of the serial number from 100, that will give you the serial number on most pre Remington Marlins

Example:

Serial number 11XXXX

100-11= '89 manufacture.

Welcome and good luck, and post pics!

 

GB45 and Roan444

Thanks for the great information on my Marlin's date of manufacture.
It appears to be a 2005. If I did this right, the first two numbers are 95, thus subtracting 100-95=2005.

Thanks for the info on Hornady Lever Evolutions

JG9204

 

Yup, you got it!

 

I like the good old Remington 405's for target shooting. Recoil isn't bad so that helps.

 

Your 1895G was made before Remington came into the picture and started the drastic loss of quality and the sharp increase in problems. Read over the forum and you will see that yours is a good rifle from a good year (I have a 2004)!

Mark

 

Welcome and yes, as mentioned the 325 gr Leverevolutions are a good round. Relatively flat trajectory for a 45-70. A good mild, inexpensive load is the Remington Express 300 grn SJHP. Low preasure load, as in safe in trapdoors. Very...well best way to put it is "traditional" 45-70 trajectory, if you know what I mean. Easy on the shoulder, easy on the gun, easy on the wallet, but that "slow" moving "little" 300 grn flat nose hits hard. I'm not a reloader either. Congrats on the purchase of a fine firearm in a fantastic caliber.

 

Mark

I couldn't be more pleased with my 1895G 2005 .45/70. Lookks great and shoots well.

How is Remington involved with Marlin.
This is my first Marlin, I typically stay with S&W, Colt, IWI semi-autos pistols in .45 ACP, .40, .44, and .50 cal (Desert Eagles)

I would like to purchase a few more Marlins, I prefer the lever action....over bolts....any recommendations?
I would like to avoid poor quality and craftsmanship if there is prblems with newer rifles.

 

How is Remington involved with Marlin. I would like to avoid poor quality and craftsmanship if there is prblems with newer rifles.

A lot of old history that has been discussed here for a couple years now but long story short:
Remington owns Marlin. Purchased Marlin back around 2008 and started making some line changed in later part of 2009. Announced to all Marlin employees that the plant was closing and NO MARLIN EMPLOYEES moved to NY plant. Most of the quality issues did not begin to affect Marlin Lever production until they shut down the original plant in North Haven and moved Marlin Lever manufacturing to the Remington plant in Illion NY. Marlin Bolt Action rifle manufacturing was moved to Kentucky plant. Rifles Made in 2010 started having the REP proof mark on the right side of the barrel - Marlins have JM proof mark on the left side of the barrel. Remington also changed the serial numbers to begin with "MRxxxxxx" for MARLIN/REMINGTON. Even after they moved to NY barrels continued to have the NORTH HAVEN ROLL MARK on them due to special permission given to Remington by BATF. (Bureau Of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms)

There are many many great Marlins built in 2009 and earlier so do not buy a REMLIN and you will be fine.

GB45

 

Rocker

Thanks for the great advice on loads...."325 gr Leverevolutions are a good round"
For the range....I believe that would be the best choice.
Thanks for the great tip.

 

JG,

Welcome to camp. As a long-time gun owner, you will no doubt enjoy being a member. You will notice quickly that folks here are positive, helpful, patient and very knowledgeable about Marlins, hand loading and lots of other stuff.

There are lots of great pre-Remington rifles out there for sale in local gun shops, pawn shops and from on-line sellers. I was advised upon arrival here to just start shopping around on sites like Gunbroker and Guns America to get familiar with models and current prices. Be patient. Decide what you're looking for and what you're willing to pay, and then go dig it out. Like everything else, you'll have to pay more for rifles in exceptional condition; this is especially true since new product quality issues (Remlins) became so common. The search for true Marlins is worth the effort.

Good luck and happy hunting!

 

Hi Guys, I just bought a Model 1895 45-70 Govt, manufactor is The Marlin Firearms Company North Haven Conn, The ser# starts with a B00, I cant seem to find out what year it was made, and do you all think its a good one? Thanks from the new guy lol

 

Is it a JM proof stamp on the barrel and the serial number is on top of the tang? If it is the list says BO was made in 1972 - - and a good one for sure . . . . If the serial number is engraved on the side of the receiver and it is REP proof mark then you have a Remington made 1895 . . . and we are not real sure how Remington is serializing their guns...

GB45

 

The JM proof stamp is on the barrel and the serial number is on top of the tang!! So I have a JM Rifle right? JM is not stamped on barrel, but it does say "(The Marlin Firearms Company)"

 

You have a REAL MARLIN 1895 and according to the chart the BO beginning serial number indicates she was made in 1972 so you have a 41 year old lady there - treat her well and enjoy some great shootin' !!

GB45

 

If your going to try to date a 1895 Marlin rifle ? I suggest you keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction when you start making out ! She could get excited and go off ! You really need to get out more often....lol.:marchmellow:

 

Good Morning


A bit confused on how to date the marlin based upon the serial number.

Jim G

I date mine on how well dressed and clean they are.. Pleasing lines are a definite, and good attitude seals the deal
in all seriousness welcome to the club and enjoy

 

I take my .45-70 out on a date every chance I get and she loves it!

 

Her dancing partner doesn't seem to care for it much!

 

Thanks guys, I will treat her well!!!

 

Found out today in order to date the new marlins aka rems you need to date the barrel like you would a Remington gun the roll marks are the same

 

on the left side of your barrel just in front of the receiver should be a 2 letter code,

its based on the words Blackpowderx 1st Letter
B Jan
L Feb
A Mar
C Apr
K May
P June
O July
W Aug
D Sept
E Oct
R Nov
X Dec


2nd Letter
G 2012
H 2013
I 2014
J 2015

 

I have a marlin 45-70GS and I found the information on "how to date a 1895 45-70 Marlin" very useful, I know now what year my 45-70 was made.

 

JG, welcome to the forum from the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee! Your 1895 should look similar to mine, the bottom rifle in my signature photo. It was also made in 2005, a great year! Make yourself at home, we are glad you joined us!

Ron

 

I have just discover this thread and am happy to join everyone. I have been reading the first portion of the posts on how to tell the age of your Marlin. I just purchased an 1895 from a private party that never even fired it from the purchase date. I have fired it about 10 times to make sure it was sighted in and love it so far. I am excited to take it hunting this next year. The serial number on mine starts with 06 so I believe that it was manufactured in 1994 if I am correct and it does have the JM proof mark. Also I believe that it has the straight stock and not the pistol grip stock if someone can help me verify. I am thinking about updating the lever to a large loop so it would be easier to operate in really cold weather. Has someone had any experience with this and would you recommend this. Thanks in advance for your reply's and help.

 

Welcome to the forum.

Yes you have dated her correctly 06 would make it 95. Treat her well and have fun.

 

How to date a 1895 Marlin Centerfire .45/70 Government Lever Action ?
One must whisper "sweet nothings, sweet nothings, sweet nothings" in it's ear.

 

Good info!

 

New member, first post, first Marlin.
Got an 1895 wood/blued this week. Serial 25****** so I figure it's a 75 model.

Can't wait to get it out for a shot.