[chadaz34]

hello my name is chad barnes from phx az.. i bought what i thought was a marlin 1894 in 38-55. i had to make a snap decision and i thought it was a really good deal and i did as much pre due diligence as i could.. i used this sight and others and found it was very good..so i pulled the trigger..pun intended

ok here is where i'm at... i got it home its the octagon long barrel with the full mag tube.. its stamped 38-55 and it says marlin safety.. sn is 89401

thats it.. there is nothing else on the tangs or anywhere else

i ran that number and it says made 1893.. soooooo what do i have... i cant upload pix my computer broke and i'm on a browsing google chrome book i should have a new computer in a few days... however i can text pics from my phone..

ok this is the part where you tell me i have a super rare prototype one of one and i don't need to got to work on monday... or ill settle for just what gun i got

tnks in advance ... chad

 

[HIKayaker]

Definitely need pictures, if you want that sort of information. Can you submit photos from your cell phone, or a friend's computer?

 

[HIKayaker]

By the way, welcome to the forum. Pleanty of good info available here!

 

[flatsneck]

Hi and welcome from Gilbert AZ,
I probably wont be much help identifying the rifle, but you deffinately came to the right place, and remember, there are no stupid questions, these guys here know everything, and are very helpful.
enjoy your stay, and cant wait to see some pics!

 

[chadaz34]

yeah i can text a pic to somebody.. also will try to maybe upload from another computer.. my second question is its not marked on the barrel smokless or all that other jazz the guy i got it from said he had shot modern ammo...????

 

[25/20Marlin]

I think that you probably have a Model 1893 in .38/55. That's still a good thing.

 

[lever addict]

Sounds like a first year of production 1893. The tangs were not marked and the left side of the receiver does not have the extra support screw. Pics? It's also a BP rifle! You can shoot low pressure smokeless rounds with the same velocity as the original BP ammo.

 

[chadaz34]

thanks all.. i forgot to say last patent date is 1889.. its in pretty good shape.. ive been cleaning it.. i keep cleaning the barrel/bore not really sure exactly the difference and just keep running the brush down it then some rags and its cleaning up nicely.. i sprayed some clp down there and was gonna let it sit over night. any thaughts

 

[chadaz34]

when people say the bore is dark.. as long as its not pitted cant you just clean it up?? is clp the best or is there something better for the inside.. tnks chad

 

[grilla720]

Welcome to the forum, You won't get flogged for being new here. Slug that barrel to be sure of the diameter if you are going the shoot cast in it, some of the 38-55 bores are a little oversized. Accuracy will suffer if you don't use the right size bullet.

 

[papajohnabi]

Welcome from Goldthwaite, TX! Glad you've joined us! Here in this forum the only stupid question is the one that doesn't get asked:biggrin: Can't wait to see pics of that great Marlin! John

 

[Widowmaker]

when people say the bore is dark.. as long as its not pitted cant you just clean it up?? is clp the best or is there something better for the inside.. tnks chad

chadaz34:

if blackpowder was used in it, then try to get you some solvent for blackpowder.

if smokeless stuff has been used in it, then CLP is fine. Heck, I've even used virgin olive oil with good results as a residue remover. Even now, I like Marvels Mystery Oil ya can get from Walmart. I use it as a cleaner and a lubricant in my 1894's. And I use my rifles alot in the Cowboy Action Shooting game.


..........Widder

 

[Scorpiusb]

Welcome aboard From Alabama...

 

[Strider]

It does sound like an early 1893. Most would consider that a good find.

Just make sure you stay away from any steel brushes. You don't want to scratch the bore. A dark bore doesn't bother me as long as it's not pitted and I can still see rifling. Even then, they will surprise you how well they shoot sometimes.

If you are not a hand loader, now would be a good time to start. The .38-55 is a great cartridge, but there have been so many dimensional variations over the years, it may take some fine tuning to get it shooting the way you would like. It was the .38-55 that really taught me the science of reloading. Before that I just made inexpensive cartridges that made holes in paper. A good hand loader can bring out the best in a rifle.

Welcome to the forum!

 

[chadaz34]

awesome tnks.. another member offered to post my pics.. i texted him this am and i assume they will be up... not that i'm above shameless pandering but it seems that this board is a lot more friendly than the others i have experienced. i was on a walther ppk forum and posted a pic of a gun a got sn# 29 and some old grumpy crotchety curmudgeon with way too much time on his hands jumped my stuff saying i was trying to sell... i had no intention of selling not did i mention the word sell or selling. some other member offered to buy it so they kicked me off... go figure...lol...

thanks again .. chad

 

[old-machinist]

Wecome to Marlin owners Chad. As you have already found out, this is a pretty friendly place with plenty of patient and knowledgable folks who are happy to help those afflicted with Marlinitis.
Just dive right in and enjoy the ride. Can't wait to see some pics.
Regards

 

[Golphin]

Welcome from Micanopy Florida. Keep us updated as you find out more on the new rifle.

 

[ia1727]

thanks all.. i forgot to say last patent date is 1889.. its in pretty good shape.. ive been cleaning it.. i keep cleaning the barrel/bore not really sure exactly the difference and just keep running the brush down it then some rags and its cleaning up nicely.. i sprayed some clp down there and was gonna let it sit over night. any thaughts

Fellas--it may very well be that he has a Model 1889 and not a Model 1893. Does it have a 24" or 26" barrel ? I'm guessing it's an 1889 in 38-40 ? If so---feel very lucky---especially if it's in good shape. Does it show 38W or 38WCF on the barrel just in front of the receiver. Let us know.

Steve

 

[chadaz34]

its stamped 38dash55

 

[gunrunner]

Welcome from South Carolina.
We may kid and tease ya after awhile but we don't put up with ugly stuff here.
If you like good people and great guns?
You've fond a home.
There's none better..