Engineering:Marlin Model 1891
| Type | rifle |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Marlin Firearms Company |
| Unit cost | $18 (MSRP in 1891) |
| Produced | 1891–1897 |
| No. built | 18,650 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | varied |
| Cartridge | rimfire or centerfire |
| Calibre | .22 rimfire; .32 caliber rimfire; .32 caliber centerfire; .25 caliber; .38 caliber |
| Barrels | octagonal-rifled or round-rifled blued steel; 20 inches (0.51 m) to 40 inches (1.0 m) length |
| Action | lever |
| Feed system | side loaded magazine (first variation); tubular magazine magazine (second and third variation) |
| Sights | iron sights (buckhorn rear sights; spear front sight) |
The Marlin Model 1891 is an American lever action repeating rifle that was produced by the Marlin Firearms Company from 1891 until 1897. It was the first in a lineage of Marlin rifles built upon its design (followed by the Model 1892, Model 1897, and Model 39).
Design and characteristics
General
The Model 1891 is a repeating rife with a lever action.[1][2] The Marlin 1891 has been described as handsome, looking like a smaller-sized version of the larger-caliber guns contemporary to the time of its manufacture.[3] It can be taken down.[3]
Barrel lengths of Model 1891s range between 20 inches[convert: unknown unit] and 40 inches[convert: unknown unit].[2] The most common barrel length for the Model 1891 was 24 inches[convert: unknown unit]. The most common barrel shape was with octagonal rifling,[4] though it was also manufactured with a round barrel.[2] The overall length (OAL) of Model 1891s varied, as did weight. A 24 inches (0.61 m) Model 1891 would standardly weight 6.5 pounds (2.9 kg).[2]
The first variation of the Model 1891 was side-loaded, while later variations were tube-loaded.[4] The first variation's side-loading was the only Marlin manufactured rimfire lever-action that had a side-loading design.[3] The tube-loading system on the second and third variation Model 1891s featured a two-piece magazine tube (with an inner and outer tube) loaded through the front end. This tube-loading design became common in many subsequent .22 rimfire rifles of the era.[3]
The standard finish of the Model 1891 is blued. Its hammer, lever, steel buttplate are case hardened.[4][5] Its stock is made of American walnut.[4] The safety of the Model 1891 is a sear safety system on its lever action,[4] which (when engaged) impedes movement of its hammer.[2] Model 1891s standardly have iron sights with an adjustable buckhorn rear sight and a spear front sight.[2] Model 1891s had a length of pull (LOP) of 13-3/8".[2]
Manufacturer customizations were offered, including plating, engraving, upgraded stocks, as well as varying barrel lengths shapes.[2] Receivers and pistol grip stocks could be special ordered that were case colored.[5]
The uses for Model 1891s are hunting small game and target shooting.[2] In its 1892 catalogue, Marlin recommended the firearm for farmers, advertising that short cartridges were appropriate for small game and long cartridges would "kill hogs or beef very handily."[5] Thousands of Model 1891s remain in use, a credit to its simple design and durable construction.[3]
Main variations
Three iterations of Model 1891s were produced. The earliest-produced Model 1891s are referred to as "first variation" Model 1891s. These differed from later iterations, being side-loaded.[4][6] First variation Model 1891s were only manufactured in .22 caliber chambering and were marked with "Marlin Fire-Arms Co. New Haven, Ct. U.S.A./Pat'd Nov.19.1878. April 2.1889. Aug.12 1890" on its barrel.[7] The first variations also featured a solid-topped frame with "Marlin Safety" marked on it,[1][7] a side-ejecting receiver, and side-loading gate.[1] [7] The first variation also featured a shortened magazine tube.[6] Serial numbers of first variant Model 1891s have been reported as between 47,889 and 77,943. However, did not have a separate series of serial numbers for different models, so it is difficult to verify an exact range of serial numbers.[5]
The second iteration, referred to as "second variation", shifted the gun's design from a side-loaded firearm to a tube loaded firearm.[4] These were marked with ""Marlin Fire-Arms Co. New Haven, Ct. U.S.A./Pat'd Nov.19.1878. April 2.1889. Aug.12 1890. March 1,1892" on the barrel.[7] This was manufactured with diversity in chambering.[8]
Later models are referred to as "third variation". These featured tangs.[8]
Chambering, ammunition
The most common chamberings for the Model 1891 were .22 caliber and .32 caliber.[4][2] Model 1891s were also manufactured chambered for .25 caliber and .38 caliber.[2]
The first variation of the Model 1891 was only manufactured in .22 caliber.[7] Model 1891s in .22 caliber chambering were only manufactured for rimfire cartridges (such as .22 Long Rifle).[2][4] The Model 1891 was the first lever-action rifle to be chambered in .22 long rifle (.22 LR).[1] Model 1891s chambered in .22 caliber were able to fire .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 LR cartridges interchangeably;[4] with the Model 1891 being the first repeating rifle capable of interchangeably accepting these cartridges.[7]
Model 1891s in .32 caliber were manufactured either to fire rimfire ammunition (such as .32 Remington) or centerfire ammunition.[4][2]
Model 1891s had a capacity of 14 to 19 rounds.[2]
The Model 1891 was the first rimfire rifle to be manufactured by the Marlin Firearms Company.[9] It was also first rifle by the company to be manufactured in a .22 caliber chambering.[1][2]
Production history
The Model 1891 was designed by Lewis Hepburn.[2][8] The gun was introduced with other popular firearms chambered in .22 caliber, hence why it was initially only manufactured chambered in that caliber.[5] Model 1891s were manufactured from 1891 until 1897.[6][7] Its manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) in 1891 was $18 USD.[2]
Approximately 18,650 units were manufactured.[4][7] Approximately 5,000 were first variants.[6][7]
Lineage of subsequent firearms
The Marlin 1891 the first in a lineage of subsequent Marlin rifles adapted from its design. Marlin rifles which descended from it included the Model 1892, Model 1897, and Model 39.[3][10][11] Between the Model 1891 and these subsequent firearms, millions of units were sold.[11]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Marlin Model 1891" (in en). https://firearmland.com/marlin/model-1891.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 Crawford, Scott (July 23, 2021). "The History of the Marlin 1891 Rifle" (in en). https://1895gunner.com/gunroom/marlin1891.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Woodard, Todd (June 10, 2013). "Working the Marlin Model 1891 .22 Lever-Action". https://www.gun-tests.com/rifles/working-the-marlin-model-1891-22-lever-action/.
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 "Marlin Model 1891" (in en). https://bluebookofgunvalues.com/products/marlin-model-1891.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 "Model 1891". https://www.precisiongunstocks.com/contents/en-us/d44.html.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "Marlin 1891". https://www.guncritic.com/product/marlin-1891/.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 "Marlin Firearms Co. Model 1891 Lever-Action Rifl". https://gunvalues.gundigest.com/marlin-firearms-co/8118/model-1891-lever-action-rifle/.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "Marlin 1891 Rifle with Rare 28" Special Order Barrel". https://www.antiquearmsinc.com/marlin-model-1891-rifle-side-loader-1892-1897-winchester-1890-colt-lightning-22-32-pocket-smith-wesson-da-revolver.htm.
- ↑ "Lever-Action". https://marlinfirearms.com/s/leverAction/.
- ↑ "Shooting the Breeze: The Marlin Model 39" (in en). July 21, 2023. https://bluemountaineagle.com/2023/07/21/shooting-the-breeze-the-marlin-model-39/.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 "The German Rifle That Changed Bolt-Action Design Forever". August 4, 2026. https://www.aol.com/articles/german-rifle-changed-bolt-action-172000000.html.
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