[Kbtc]

I inherited a marlin 44-40 and would like a little information about it. Its my favorite rifle except for the fact that I cant find ammo for it. It is a lever action with a 23" octagonal barrel. the tube below falls just short of the end of the barrel. In front of the rear site the roll stamp says Marlin Fire-Arms co. New-Haven. Ct, USA. The second line is Patented. Oct. 11.1887.april.2.1889. August 1.1893. On the top of the barrel behind the rear sight it is stamped with a 44 40. Behind the hammer it says Marlin Model 94, and under the rifle it says 1174 where the wood meets the metal in front of the lever. I'll try to get some pics of it, but have looked everywhere for the past few weeks with no luck. Hope you all can help, and thank you in advance for your time. Oh and there a star stamped in front of the screw behind the model 94 stamp.

 

[lever addict]

I have the same rifle with a higher 4 digit serial number, star on the tang, 44-40. Unfortunately there are no records for these guns. Marlin Collector site put my rifle at the early 20's.
Here she is.

 

[Kbtc]

That looks a lot like mine. Any Idea what its worth, or the rarity of it?

 

[lever addict]

In good shape they have sold in the $1200 range and up. I sure would like to see pictures of yours!

 

[smithywess]

That looks a lot like mine. Any Idea what its worth, or the rarity of it?

Kbtc,


We need pictures. Your rifle was built between 1925 and 1936. .44-40 ammunition is available and the cowboy action shooters use it all the time. In a nice old rifle like yours better to reload for it. Components are to be had and there is a wealth of reloading information around for the .44-40 including this good forum.

 

[RGR]

Yep, the 44 40 generally will bring a premium.

I saw a doggy totally silver from all the buffing trying to remove the pitting 1894 in 38 40 at last weekends show. The guy was asking only 1500 for it.:hmmmm: Which seemed a bit high, even for a 38 40.:biggrin:

Thats a real neat tang sight on the one in the picture. Would not mind having a small box full of such sights.:biggrin:

 

[44-40 Willy]

44-40 ammo is out there, but it's usually pricey when you find it. When I got mine, there were two boxes of Hornady Frontier ammo thrown in on the deal so I had a start of brass to begin loading for it.

Oh, you measure the barrel from the front of the bolt which should give you a 24" barrel which was pretty much standard back then.

 

[Kbtc]

Thanks on all the feedback guys. Like I said it is my favorite rifle so I have no intention of selling it, was just curious. I have a reloading bench and all the die's for it, but here in pa reloading supplies are as rare as actual ammo. As soon as I have some brass probably enough for 200 rounds, just need the bullets, or a mold. I have a smelter as well, and a mold for it. I'll put up some pics in a couple minutes, she's pretty for sure.

 

[Schtoolee]

Midway U.S.A had brass on hand right now. Starline is what I use.

 

[Kbtc]

Here are the pics I promised. Tried to include as much detail as possible. Nothing like a little gun porn!

 

[Kbtc]

Couple more

 

[Kbtc]

Thanks for the info about the brass too Schtoolee, that is a huge help. Someone else mentioned Midway, guess I need to check it out.

 

[cj57]

Congrats, a very nice 94! It's one of the musket frame clean up guns. I have one like it also.

 

[dhansen]

Thanks for sharing the photos Kbtc, That is a nice looking Marlin 94. In better shape than mine! I'd love to get my grabby hands on another vintage Marlin 94.

I'd recommend reloading, take your time and do it right. I'd suggest (15 to 18.5gr) of A2400 powder and a 200gr RNFP bullet. Slug your bore before picking a diameter. That will get you 1300 to 1600 fps.

cj57 can you tell us more about the musket frame clean-up guns?

 

[dhansen]

I should have added I use Winchester large pistol primers for the 44-40. You will find lots of load data here at M.O. for the 44-40. Since you have brass, press and dies, I would not waste time looking for loaded ammunition. I have used W231 and Unique and Swiss black powder, but A2400 was the easiest to use. A2400 fills the case more and flow nice through the powder measure.

Kbtc, what condition is the bore in your rifle? I like the octagon barrel, both of my vintage 1894's have round barrels. I keep looking, but never luck into a nice 1894 with octagon barrel.

 

[Schtoolee]

Yes, it is a nice one. Also welcome to Marlin Owners.
My 1894 is from the other end of the models production, made 1894. I got it earlyer this year for $450, it's not as nice as your, needs some work on the stock, and it is only a 38-40. But I think I got a good deal. I think I have all that I need for loading, now I just need to do it.

 

[lever addict]

Slug your bore before buying lead or a mold. The old 44-40 bores are all over the place. Most 44-40 bullets measure .427.My Marlins bore groove was almost .431. I run .432's in it and it shoots fine.

Two shots on the left were before I moved the front sight!

 

[cj57]

David
After WW1 they had left over muskets and or parts, so they used the frames and trigger plates to make up rifles. Here's a musket, the sling swivel is removed to use on rifle, that's the grove on bottom that 94s trigger plate.

 

[lever addict]

The top of your receiver is D/T'd for the Hepburn sight. Looks like you have the original sights and the rounded lever which I haven't seen many of. Very nice old Marlin!

 

[dhansen]

Thanks Clark, that is some cool stuff. Did some muskets have the rear sling swivel on the butt stock vs. the receiver? Now the question is do you have the sling or the saber? I see the Winchester 1875 price list shows the Bayonet at $3.00 and the Saber at $5.00 I could not find the sling in the 1875 catalog.