New Marlins from Ruger

[W.R.Buchanan]

So as I walked into the Ruger Booth at SHOT about 10 AM on Tuesday Morning I was greeted by Eric Lundgren who is the head guy on the Marlin Project. Eric recognized my name off my badge and started vigorously shaking my hand, then drug me over to meet Nate Brown.

I am buddies with Mark Gurney who is the Head of Marketing for Ruger, and I met him when he was #2 man on the Scout Rifle Project in 2010 and we've been friends ever since. When I contacted him about the Marlin project he sent my name and phone # to Eric So they could get my input...

Eric called me one day and we talked for 45 minutes on the phone about what needed to be done to improve the Marlin Leverguns. Turns out all he did was write down everything I said to him and pass it along to Nate Brown who is Head of Engineering for the Marlin Project. Nate then went over everything along with all the other input they got from various people they considered to be knowledgeable on the subject.

Some of the ideas that came only from me were the Chamber Chamfer, the Radius on the Hammer Face, Cleaning up the Groove on the Bolt that the Extractor rides in, and Tumble Deburring of all small internal parts.

Other changes were 1:20 twist in the .44 and .45 barrels, Radius on the Snail Cam to prevent wearing of the bottom of the Lifter causing the "Marlin Jam." Redesign of the Loading Gate so it wouldn't dig into your thumbnail, changing the way most of the parts were machined, and making of all the internal parts out of Pre Hardened materials for dimensional stability. also the Internal Machining of the Receiver was a far cry from the Crap Marlin and Remington produced. I was amazed that the underside of the receiver top was smooth,,, making the insertion of a cartridge into the chamber smooth as glass. No rough Broach Marks because they weren't done with a worn out broach! They were all done on a Multi Axis CNC Machining Centers. Pretty much all of the Machines, Tooling and Programs to run them are all new!

I talked to Nate for the better part of an hour about all the fine points in the Production Process and he was very forth coming with answers to all of my pretty technical questions. I left Swelled up like a toad!

I picked up several 1894's and 1895's and they all ran smoothly. Only slightly stiffer than my personal guns which had been reworked by me years ago and had also had many rounds thru them. These new guns will run similar to mine with very little "break in." The fit and finish on the metal and wood was as close to perfect as you could ever expect from a Generic Firearm**. And the whole Idea was to remove as much of the hand work (Preferably all of it!) as possible, so the guns could be assembled with parts from a bin with no hand fitting required. This should have taken place 25 years ago, but nobody cared enough to push it thru at the previous Mfg's.

I have no reservation in saying "These are the Best Made Marlin Rifles ever produced by anyone !!! PERIOD!"

The 1894's are just going into production as we speak and look for them on the shelves in the Spring.

This was pretty exciting news as I want an 1894 CB (Octagon) 20" in .44 Spec/Mag. It will be the first Marlin Rifle out of the dozens that I have reworked for myself and others, that I won't have to re work! It will run perfectly right out of the box,,, Which should have been the case for the last 30 years, if anybody had Gave a SHIP !

These guys actually care about what they are doing, and it shows! Our prayers have been answered! Thanks to Ruger!

Randy

[Spyder]

Any idea if the lifter will fit in older rifles that have Marlin jam problems?

[200Apples]

Spyder, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that it will, even if a little bit of file work is needed. It is fundamentally the same part, manufactured to the same dimensions (more or less) for the same model firearm.

But you knew that already.




To anyone else, and for those who may be unfamiliar with W.R.Buchanan's history with the guys he mentions in his post, I can attest to the fact that he ain't BS'n. He can be, and is, justifiably proud to have been a part of this deal.

Too, there have been other positive influences* that have over the years contributed to the improvement of these Marlin 1894s... (the 336s and 1895s did not seem to be as affected as did the revolver-caliber models 1894)... and Randy (W.R.B.) will, in conversation, be the first to tell you that he became aware of some of these fixes that have come from the storehouse of knowledge and experience of Paco Kelly's Leverguns.

*The SASS Cowboy Action sport can be considered equally invaluable in improving the breed.

Before I started talking to Randy years ago, some of the SASS community had created some webpages I had found on my own. "Rusty Marlin" and "Widowmaker" (and his amazing Widdermatic Marlin 1894) are two of the guys that have helped me in my own pursuits to improve my Marlin 1894s...


What Randy/W.R.Buchanan has done is not only give Ruger an equally important-dose of mechanical factoids (W.R. is a machinist if not a tool-and-die maker in his own right), what Randy has also done was to stay on top! of the *communcation*, to have CONTINUED to REMIND Ruger as they acquired these great Marlin assets, that these issues affecting the Model 1894 needed to be addressed. He has been a driving factor, a Shepard, if you will, that has enabled Ruger/Marlin to improve these Models 1894 as they have done. Call it an outsourced management of the highest order.



We are all better off for it!

[joefrank64k]

I just picked up an 1895 Trapper. Seems like a well-made piece.

Still didn't stop me from getting all the tacti-cool gizmos for it, haha!!

[200Apples]

...and the reason Randy has been able to communicate so well the fixes for these issues is because Randy is also a shooter. A shooter of not insignificant skill, one who has consistently trained with professional teachers and who consistently over the years participates in 3-gun competitions.

He can run these guns as hard as anyone else (and using loads higher in pressure than the SASS crowd). Too bad he still can't hit anything.

[200Apples]

Originally Posted by joefrank64k

I just picked up an 1895 Trapper. Seems like a well-made piece.

Still didn't stop me from getting all the tacti-cool gizmos for it, haha!!

You snuck one in there, Joe! I wasn't ignoring you.

I for one am both glad to hear it and I'm a bit envious... You, one or two others including our esteemed colleage SplitHoof have purchased these new Ruger/Marlin 1895 Trappers (16.5" stainless).

Looking forward to your impressions after shooting it.

[pennstater]

I'll be taking a hard look at the '94 in .357 when they come out.

MLC

[Spyder]

I'm sure I'll wind up buying one too.
But I did just buy a house and am finishing up my old big block Challenger, so fun guns will be waiting on the backburner for a bit.

[Spyder]

I'm sure I'll wind up buying one too.
But I did just buy a house and am finishing up my old big block Challenger, so fun guns will be waiting on the backburner for a bit.

[200Apples]

Originally Posted by Spyder

I'm sure I'll wind up buying one too.

But I did just buy a house and am finishing up my old big block Challenger, so fun guns will be waiting on the backburner for a bit.

Holy smokes! Congrats! on both of those rather *big deals*!

[smittty]

Originally Posted by pennstater

I'll be taking a hard look at the '94 in .357 when they come out.

MLC

I won’t be wasting any time looking, I’m going to dive in head first with the first 1894C 357 mag I find online or elsewhere.

But I only want the “C” cowboy model, not the regular one.

[pennstater]

Originally Posted by smittty

I won’t be wasting any time looking, I’m going to dive in head first with the first 1894C 357 mag I find online or elsewhere.

But I only want the “C” cowboy model, not the regular one.

You wouldn't want to look at a couple just too look them over? I know these will be the new Ruger's, but, still....

MLC

[BOBGBA]

Originally Posted by smittty

I won’t be wasting any time looking, I’m going to dive in head first with the first 1894C 357 mag I find online or elsewhere.

But I only want the “C” cowboy model, not the regular one.

Atta boy! I'm with you on your approach.

Originally Posted by pennstater

You wouldn't want to look at a couple just too look them over? I know these will be the new Ruger's, but, still....

MLC

Ruger knows they have to put a good product out to satisfy the skeptics and hand wringers.
I for one, don't think they are going to disappoint.

Besides, what could possibly go wrong? W.R.B will be backing up their good name!

[smittty]

Originally Posted by pennstater

You wouldn't want to look at a couple just too look them over? I know these will be the new Ruger's, but, still....

MLC

If I start hearing reports of canted barrels then I'll rethink it but as of now, no, not worried about these.

[SDDAVE56]

And the 39A?? Pray tell.

[Tripplet918]

Originally Posted by pennstater

I'll be taking a hard look at the '94 in .357 when they come out.

MLC

I'm excited to get one!

[bergmen]

Originally Posted by SDDAVE56

And the 39A?? Pray tell.

They would be smart to down-scale the 336 action to 39A proportions and formally discontinue the 39A as they did the Model 36 (square bolt 30-30).

They could call it the Model 339.

Dan

[LightfootE]

I read that they do plan to bring back the 39a. If they make a stainless one I’ll buy one. Looking forward to seeing the .44 1894s, that’s one marlin I want but don’t have.

[golfish]

Originally Posted by Tripplet918

I'm excited to get one!

I've got a Remlin 94 (2018) that is as nice as any 94 that I've seen (nicer because of the wood) Its one of 3 lever guns that I wouldn't sell. I'll hold out for the cowboy model, but first I NEED a 336

Now a new Marlin lever action rimfire would be nice too...

Thanks for the OP, Randy

[plumbum]

I’m not gonna deny that I look forward to seeing the 1894 in almost any caliber, because I’m going to end up with all of them

I bet I could be talked into a .327 even?

[SG29736]

I've got Marlins in 44 mag, 44-40 and 45-70. The 44 mag has some beautiful wood on it while the others are much plainer. But they're very good guns. I'm happy to see a few of the improvements, the radius on the snail cam on the lever, chamfered chamber, the faster barrel twist rate should great and the overall quality of the machining. Any word on the type of metal used for the lifter?

[Nvberinger]

Originally Posted by smittty

I won’t be wasting any time looking, I’m going to dive in head first with the first 1894C 357 mag I find online or elsewhere.

But I only want the “C” cowboy model, not the regular one.

I just managed to trade some handguns for nice 94c in 357 today at LGS.
I'm looking forward to range day after I get the 94c cleaned and oiled.

[Garbcollector]

Are they going to bring anything out chambered in 357? Their website doesn't say anything

[elsupermanny14]

Originally Posted by Garbcollector

Are they going to bring anything out chambered in 357? Their website doesn't say anything

Second this sentiment. Seems like everyone abandoned 357magnum production in favor of what seems like less popular options.

[Gravelman]

A .357 lever action is going in my safe within the year. I’ve been thinking Henry, but a Ruger/Marlin might be a better option, if they’re available.

[BOBGBA]

Originally Posted by Garbcollector

Are they going to bring anything out chambered in 357? Their website doesn't say anything

Ruger spent $28.3 million for Marlin and it's assets.
They know the demand is there for the pistol caliber lever actions.
I would bet they want to make sure that they have perfected the design and tooling, before they announce anything.
What they don't want to do is announce things prematurely.
They want to get it right the first time.
It will be worth the wait.

Originally Posted by elsupermanny14

Second this sentiment. Seems like everyone abandoned 357magnum production in favor of what seems like less popular options.

Who is everyone?
Winchester, Henry and Rossi all have .357 rifles on their website.

[Cowboy T]

Indeed, just this weekend, we sold our Rossi 92 in .357M that we had in the store. Shortly before that, we sold the .357M Henry Big Boy. They're still making 'em, believe me.

Ruger firearms are well known for running like Timex watches. Take a lickin', keep on tickin'. I don't blame Ruger for doing the engineering and getting it right the first time.

[bergmen]

The Model 94 is mentioned on the Marlin website as forecast for Spring 2023:

https://www.marlinfirearms.com/s/leverAction/

Dan

[200Apples]

Dan, can't thank you enough for bringing this to our attention! in such a timely manner.




While I look forward to checking out, firsthand, the new 1894s it is the 336! in 35 Remington I've my eye on.




Oh, and there's a new photo up in the Mojave Lever Crew - Roll Call! thread of SplitHoof's new Ruger/Marlin "RuLin" (sorry) "RuMar" 1895 Trapper (stainless, 16.5" .45-70) wearing it's new XS Sights Systems pic rail and a forward-mounted telescope...

[golfish]

I have a 336 on order..... OP, perhaps you can let me know when these are going to be distributed? I don't have a 30-30 but I have dies, brass, projectiles and everything else need.

The one shown in the videos is just beautiful

[golfish]

DP, AGAIN

[bergmen]

Originally Posted by golfish

I have a 336 on order..... OP, perhaps you can let me know when these are going to be distributed? I don't have a 30-30 but I have dies, brass, projectiles and everything else need.

The one shown in the videos is just beautiful

Just to whet the appetite:

336CS bought in 1994 on top, 1936 inherited from my Dad on the bottom:



Dan

[golfish]

Originally Posted by bergmen

Just to whet the appetite:

336CS bought in 1994 on top, 1936 inherited from my Dad on the bottom:



Dan

Wow! You suck Dan j/k

Those are 2 beautiful lever guns

Thanks for sharing. I'm looking forward to the new one. Hopefully I'll still be alive when it comes in

[norcal-ar]

This is great news as I’m anxiously waiting until November 2023 which when they estimate the rifle I want will hit the shelves

[DArBad]

Originally Posted by 200Apples

Spyder, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that it will, even if a little bit of file work is needed. It is fundamentally the same part, manufactured to the same dimensions (more or less) for the same model firearm.

But you knew that already.




To anyone else, and for those who may be unfamiliar with W.R.Buchanan's history with the guys he mentions in his post, I can attest to the fact that he ain't BS'n. He can be, and is, justifiably proud to have been a part of this deal.

Too, there have been other positive influences* that have over the years contributed to the improvement of these Marlin 1894s... (the 336s and 1895s did not seem to be as affected as did the revolver-caliber models 1894)... and Randy (W.R.B.) will, in conversation, be the first to tell you that he became aware of some of these fixes that have come from the storehouse of knowledge and experience of Paco Kelly's Leverguns.
...............


What Randy/W.R.Buchanan has done is not only give Ruger an equally important-dose of mechanical factoids (W.R. is a machinist if not a tool-and-die maker in his own right), what Randy has also done was to stay on top! of the *communcation*, to have CONTINUED to REMIND Ruger as they acquired these great Marlin assets, that these issues affecting the Model 1894 needed to be addressed. He has been a driving factor, a Shepard, if you will, that has enabled Ruger/Marlin to improve these Models 1894 as they have done. Call it an outsourced management of the highest order.



We are all better off for it!

Wow, hats off to Randy. I hope he gets some form of compensation from Ruger.....a free rifle is not out of the context.

From us to you, thank you Randy.

[W.R.Buchanan]

Wow Chris Thanks for the kind words !

Randy

[golfish]

I think Ruger would actually have to make some lever guns before they can give them away

[Jimi Jah]

Originally Posted by Garbcollector

Are they going to bring anything out chambered in 357? Their website doesn't say anything

I'd like to read about a Ruger/Henry comparison. Those 357 Henry's sell out as soon as they arrive. I have the steel side gate 20". It's excellent with great weight/balance and very good accuracy. 357 ammo is going down now, under 50 cent.

[Imageview]

The 1894s shown off at shot show were 44mag, I expect that 357 will follow within 6 months. I think not doing 357 first was a miss personally, but hopefully they have market research that proves me wrong.

As to comparing the marlin vs the Henry, I think once the 357 comes out for the marlin it will be slightly more refined than the Henry, but also a little more expensive. I think most people would be equally happy with either. Unless someone particularly liked marlins (and I do, I just picked up my 4th), I would recommend buying the Henry available now. Especially since they go quickly. It will be a while before marlins are commonly available.

[Ki6vsm]

Originally Posted by W.R.Buchanan

The 1894's are just going into production as we speak and look for them on the shelves in the Spring.

This was pretty exciting news as I want an 1894 CB (Octagon) 20" in .44 Spec/Mag. It will be the first Marlin Rifle out of the dozens that I have reworked for myself and others, that I won't have to re work! It will run perfectly right out of the box,,, Which should have been the case for the last 30 years, if anybody had Gave a SHIP !

These guys actually care about what they are doing, and it shows! Our prayers have been answered! Thanks to Ruger!

Randy

Thanks for the report Randy. Hope you're right, for the sake of future buyers. I'm happy with the 1894 I bought in 2003. It never needed any work* and it came with the best, crispest factory trigger of all my store bought rifles.

* My 1894 (.44mag) did come to me with an off-set machined front sight post though. It gave the front sight post a lean to the right that I only recently diagnosed and remedied by replacing the base with a new "336" base, same as the 1894 base in all dimensions, from Numrich. (The "1894" replacement bases are all gone now.)

But that brings up a concern I have. And someone above touched on it. I wonder which Ruger parts will be retrofittable to the older rifles. And will Ruger release their parts onto the market like Marlin did.

I watched a vid from the recent Shot show, a guy was handling their new 1894 in .44 cal. I was disappointed to see that its foregrip had a barrel band rather than an endcap. Based on that, I don't think we can count on Ruger for factory replacement foregrips that'll fit our older .44/.45 rifles.