I knew Ruger wasn't gonna disappoint when they bought Marlin. I expect them to knock it out of the park with their Marlin guns in the future. Good stuff, thanks for the video 👍
After the end of World War II Marlin was beating Winchester in the sales department After 1964 Winchester declined in sales and since then Winchester went down hill. Marlin had problems in the 1970’s and did ok in the 1980’s . Freedom group did hurt Marlin and Remington was doing fair with Marlin. Ruger will take Marlin to a higher level.
Vastly underrated. You get .44 Mag for deer in the brush and out to 100 yards. You also get .44 special which is ideal for home defense. Its a great rifle for beginners because of the .44 special rounds too!
@@BurningPhoenix1995 I have the Henry in 44 mag it’s my deer rifle and is a fantastic gun, 0 issues with it, by far my favorite gun to shoot. I will say that the Marlins and Winchesters are better looking than the Henry. The tube feed is really handy I use it more than the side gate.
Same here... My brother got one back in the 90s and it was a huge piece of junk. You could see the barrel wasn't straight when you looked at it from the side, let alone looking down the barrel to sight it. I'm glad to see them coming back with the quality my great grandpa's 336 was made with. And it still shoots solid and straight as it ever did. Not sure what year he bought it but I know it's old.
@@nsob8897 My father bought a Marlin 30-30 and hardly ever shot it. He wanted to sell it to me and I went to look at it and a large piece of the top, that comes back when clocked, was blown off. It really surprised me as Marlin was supposed to be a great gun.
I have a .44 magnum Henry. I've tried every manufacturer's ammunition in .44 mag plus reloads and never got less than 2 or 3-inch groups at 50 yards. A 100 yards was out of the question with this rifle. I haven't touched that Henry in over 3 or 4 years and it just sits in my safe. After watching this video I didn't think a .44 magnum was capable of achieving that kind of accuracy at 100 yards...with iron sights no less. Good video.
Being a left handed shooter, lever actions have always been my favorite type of rifle to shoot. Although my favorite is a Savage 1899 in .303, Marlins run an extremely close second, particularly in 45-70 Govt.
I have a Marlin 1894 .357 I bought in 2020. Its fit and finish are great. I shot a buck with it that year at 125 yards using the original buckhorn sights. One shot double lung and shot the arteries off the top of the heart. I have shot several deer with it every year since. I was happy to that Ruger picked up Marlin during the sale. That was truly the best case scenario for such a great American icon! Thanks for a great review of the new Marlin 1894. Ruger did an awesome job!
I have the same 1894c new in 2018, I feel it's actually better than my 1894c mfg 1982. the early Freedom Group units were rough, but I feel they were well sorted towards the end..
What ammo do you run In it for white tail deer? My 1894c is from 2010 and came out of the box a little rough but has worn in well after thousands of rounds. I use 180gr Underwood hard cast or similar load from Buffalo boar for hog hunting
@@Bradington I use Hornady LeverRevalution 140 grain FTX for deer hunting. That first buck in 2020 I shot at 125 yards only went 20 yards and I heard him crash hard and knew he was dead. There was a river of blood a blind man could follow. All the other deer I’ve shot since were much closer, and(30 - 35 yards) and have dropped where they stood.
I've been a fan of lever-action rifles for years, and this one seems like a great addition to any collection. The nostalgia combined with modern craftsmanship makes it a must-have for any firearm enthusiast
I bought a new Marlin in 30-30 back in the 90’s because I could afford it. I later traded it for a bolt action rifle but I wish I’d kept it and just saved up for the bolt action. Awesome that Ruger is making great Marlin rifles.
One of the good things about Marlins was they were somewhat affordable. The price is the only knock, but Ruger really has done a good job with them. Some even say they run better than the old pre Rem Marlins. Im glad Ruger bought them out.
@@kenbyron54 I think the Ruger A rifles are good rifles too, but more often then not are priced in a category they dont belong. They should be priced like they used to be, near to the Savage Axis. Much better off with a Howa as its a better built gun then when nearing $500+.
This is extremely affordable in 2023 for the quality of firearm you get, especially since many of the italian reproduction lever guns are even more expensive and arguably lower in quality.
Great video! I have a 1990's era Marlin 1894 in .44 Magnum. It is a very nice rifle that was given to me by a neighbor. The rifle in .44 Magnum has a surprising amount of recoil and great for hunting in brush or self defense. The same rifle in .357 Magnum would be great shooter for the recoil averse. I'm glad to see the quality of Marlin return with Ruger ownership.
Have several of the old Marlin 94s but very excited to get one of these new Ruger Marlins. Hoping they eventually bring out a stainless version, maybe a trapper , & a 41 mag. Thanks
That's a damn impressive gun. The fit and finish are excellent. Of course the 444 Marlin is my deer hunting rifle - a brush gun extraordinaire- but there's no doubt in my mind this one will do 90% of what the 444 can do.
I used to hunt with my 444SS. knocks them down on the spot in the brush. Bought a new Ruger marlin 44 mag. I think the 444 is going to be retired early-lol
I've always had a fascination with the 444 since the first time I saw one. It was the first big bore I had ever seen in a straight wall cartridge. I was in grade school and am still infatuated with it. Yes I know the 45/70 rules but the 444 will exceed all my needs and for some reason I think the 444 looks more elegant and there's something cool about different
Taking me back, I worked at Marlin's when they were on Willow St, New Haven, CT. They then built a new building in No. Haven, CT and moved everything to there. Then changes started, most employees were not happy, and management started to reassign jobs, taking the hourly employees and moving them to piecework jobs. I was in R&D, until they asked if I could help train a few guys in deep-hole drilling. I agreed but told them no more than 4 weeks. They tried to keep me there, but I told them I'd quit and go back to Winchesters, which was in New Haven as well, I worked there for a few years before Marlins, and was told I always had a job with them. I did end up leaving 8 months later to work the family business.
The deep hole drilling was a dirty job, especially with the bit would break if the guides weren't checked. How long ago did you try it? Thanks for your comment, not everyone knows what it is. I hear you on child support, $1800 a month. @@philharmonic6481
Love the old fashioned Marlin lever guns. My 336 in 35 REM is my favorite rifle. I’d love to see Marlin do one in 357 Maximum. Either way I’ll be purchasing one in 357 since I have the original Ruger 44mag carbine.
Great vid !! I have a model 30 A , I got about 33 years ago . I has, and still is an awesome rifle. Was a gift from my wife second Christmas we were married. It's a family heirloom now.
Glad Ruger showed up to buy Marlin. Reputable company. I own several of their guns. Shot several critters with .44 mag rifle. Owned the Marlin in 16 inch barrel years ago. You have to be careful about ammo selection. Hollow points designed for pistol velocity, especially in the 180 grain weight, can achieve super high velocity out of the rifle and can grenade upon impact with an animal and fail to penetrate the body cavity, especially on a shoulder bone hit. The lead nose bullet in the 240 grain better choice.
I have an older Marlin 1894CB in 357. I replaced the sights with Skinner sights. It made a powerful difference. I plink with that gun. I have a 38spl load I use in 357 brass, I call it a popper load. I love shooting that rifle.
A mate of mine here in Australia recently picked up one of the new marlin 44mags and it beautiful, nearly didn't give it back after a few shots. Pricey at around $2100au but well worth it.
Lever rifles are my all time favorite . I actually get bored shoot AR's and other S/A rifles. There's just something about running a lever or bolt that I love. And speaking of , running (actually running) with a lever gun is so much easier that anything else because in the words of Gun Blue 490 "It's like a luggage handle". That .44mag is really zipping out of that long barrel. I'm hoping, like others, that Marlin makes one in .357
I probably should have watched your review first, but when I stepped into my local gun shop this morning I saw this 1894 and couldn't leave without it. I bought the 1895 Trapper when Ruger brought that back out and couldn't be happier with it, so when I heard they were reintroducing the 1894 I had to have one. Years ago I had a Marlin JM 1849P and during an out of mind experience I sold it, regretting it ever since. I was able to get this 1894 for $999,90 + tax. Thanks for a very good review.
What Ruger really needs to do is bring back the deerfield 44 carbines! However it is good to see this no doubt and i'm thinking it may be a more handy option for my teenage daughter to hunt with over the 300 Sav she uses now. Not to mention much more ammo selection and cheaper to shoot. Also i have just always liked 44 magnum myself.
Thank you for the review. I'm being offered a trade into a 1894 and wanted to look at it prior to commitment. I figured that it would feed the 44spl. I'm glad you talked about them. As my revolver is in that caliber and I'm thinking the 1894 will be a great companion weapon.
I want the Model 60 back. That was my first Marlin learned to shoot with my grandfather. Then I was able to get a 444 as my first gun when I turned 18. Love the old Marlins.
I’m lucky enough to have a Winchester model 1894 30-30 made in 1962. I’ve had several Marlins but this one is absolutely beautiful. I guess it’s time to start looking for one.
You can find them both under $1,000.. however.. we'll never see them priced under $500 again.. sadly! I have noticed that the price is driven by demand and greed!!! There's people that want to make a living off of jacked up prices.. especially ammo!
I love my RM Marlin 1895 SBL 45-70 GOVT and my Henry Big Boy .44Mag/.44SPCL. I really like the tubular magazine with the side loading gate in the newer Henry models, but I do think the Ruger made Marlin models have a slight edge in the fit and finish looking slightly better. Good thing we still live in a free enough country to own both! 😉
Good to see the 1894 back in production. Just hoping when they get up and running full speed, they will bring back the 1894 in the cowboy version. I just love the octagonal barrels, gives it the older look and feel of a traditional rifle of days gone by.
This rifle is beautiful. I own a Winchester 94 Trapper with a 16 in barrel in .44 mag, with plain walnut stocks. Maybe Ruger/Marlin could offer something like this to bring down their selling price a bit! $1200 retail is a lot of $$ for the average working man!
My dad bought one of the original 44 mag semi auto s. Fantastic rifle. He shot a lot of deer with it. He also liked to shoot grouse and partridge with it. Take the heads clean off. Cheers
Working a winter job in Anchorage Alaska at the time Kmart folded up business in Alaska I had the chance as a gun counter employee to by any or all of the 5 Ruger Deerfields 44 magnums on the gun rack for $100 but I passed well you think I screwed up? Those guns today are worth a sack of gold.
I have owned all era’s of Winchesters (pre-64, post-64, Miroku), Henry’s, and Marlin’s (pre remington, remington, and now Ruger). I think the new Ruger Marlin’s are the best of them all. Pre-remington Marlin’s were very nicely made, but I think the new Ruger Marlin’s are a lot more consistent. Henry’s aren’t bad, but they are effectively Marlin clones and were doing well when Marlin’s were generally sub-par under remington. You won’t go wrong with a Miroku Winchester, Henry, or Ruger Marlin… but I still think the new Ruger Marlin’s are a hair ahead of the Henry’s. Miroku Winchester quality is amazing, but the Marlin action is simply superior. I think Henry’s are very very nice guns with great features… but it terms of feel and tolerance of construction, I think the Ruger Marlin’s squeak ahead.
I'm waiting on the Model 1897 or 39a. When that comes out Ruger would dominate 22lr market. To compete against Henry, Ruger could offer both an entry level "Wrangler" model, as well as high end stainless and blued steel frame models. It only makes sense since they've done it successfully with the Single Six.
Finally got to test the 44 lever at the range a few days ago. Operates perfect. Using 44 special, it only makes a pop sound as you fire it. I thought I had a squib! Then my sone tells me "Dad, there's a hole right above the bullseye". He was right. Made about the same sound as a .22. Beautiful carbine. Happy to have it.
OMG.... i am so glad i bought my stainless 1894 .44 mag when i did. I think i paid $500 new. Of course that was 20 years ago. Still its my favorite deer hunting gun. And Absolutely beautiful with the horse hair sling I have on it.
I LOVE my Marlins. Have several. From the 39 A, 336, 1894 in 357/38 Spl and in 44 Mag, and model 444 in 444 Marlin. And like I said I LOVE my Marlins. Have taken several types of game with them. Some are JM marks, older models without the crossbolt safety and newer models with the crossbolt safety
Nice review, looks like a fine rifle ... very impressed thus far with Ruger. They are showing all due respect for a legend. My first was a 1976 Marlin 336C in .30-30 which I still own and shoot. have several lever actions here, wonderful firearms for anyone to enjoy!
Just glad that Ruger got Marlin quality back to life. It was always possible. Now it is a job well done. Bill Ruger would be mighty proud. Bill was a champion to the bone.
Great review every time sootch comes out with a new review I go down to my man cave and check if I have the item on video 😅 or if I need it 😂 sootch thank you for the time and the work you put into the videos you are the best
The first rifle bought for me was a Marlin 70HC .22LR. I saved up and put a Tasco Pronghorn 4x32mm scope on it. A lot of ground squirrels fell to that combo, back when you could buy a brick of .22s for $10.
I prefer either the Henry or Marlin without checking on nice walnut. Nice thing about lever action rifles is you can top up the magazine while in battery; which might be nice in certain situations.
I have a Marlin 39A with a gold trigger in .22 L.R., Marlin 336 in .30-30 caliber, Marlin Cowboy Competition in .45 colt caliber all stamped JM. I also have a Henry Big Boy tube fed only in .44 magnum caliber. The Cowboy Competition has really slick action and is color case hardened. All of them are fine rifles.
Hombre no, the Ruger stock looks better and TRADITIONAL, was gonna get a Henry but after this video I'm going RUGER... , glad I've waited...video was awesome
No sooner did I fill out the 4473 at Cabela’s-Fort Worth for my RM94 did you bring us this great video. I’m looking forward to time at the loading bench and then the shooting bench. I wish Hornady still made the 265gr Flat Point Interlock(I don’t care for the FTX. I feel it’s a great bullet. But it’s not “classic”[and I’m a bit bitter about Hornady discontinuing many of the classics]). With that 20” bbl I think enough speed can be generated to get that hard-to-open 300gr XTP expand well with sane handloads. I’m in agreement with about everyone here: Ruger has done marvelous things since acquiring Marlin. I thank them very much. And thank you, Sootch for your glowing review of this wonderful carbine!
I picked up a used Marlin 1894 in 44 Magnum recently. Mine dates to 2019, making it one of those so-called Remlins, but honestly it performs flawlessly and fit and finish are great. Maybe the quality issues had been worked out by then?
The only "Remlins" affected by bad quality control that people constantly harp on were made in 2007-2008. After that the QC was almost entirely fixed....but the reputation stuck.
@@homie3star I just bought a marlin 1894 and I didn't get the man date from the seller.I read that if you subtract 10 off the first 3 numbers of the serial#.For instance mine would be 100-10=1990. have you heard of this?
I bought a Remlin in 3030. That rifle sucked. I returned it the next day without firing a shot. The wood had gaps and to work the lever needed 2 grown men and a boy to break it loose.@@homie3star
You referred to the Ruger as a Henry " 3 times so far in the video by 13:49 time frame . Thought I'd mention it so viewers aren't confused. I've owned manyyy of those marlins and still do. I have old model square bolts' round bolt models and an old model 444 in 444 caliber several 45-70s and bunch of 30-30s. Great guns 👍the ruger built Marlin has my vote 100% over the Henry because Henry's don't look traditional as do the marlins. No old levers wore tube fed tubes like Henry put on thier guns. If I own a cowboy style gun, it has to be one. Great job and my hat is off to Ruger once again for resurrecting a good old work horse line of levers. You've done Marlin Proud ! 👍
You kept calling the Marlin a Henry during the comparison on safety and recoil pad 😂 Great guns, glad to see Ruger bring up the quality and keep Marlin going.
What i like is Ruger has several single action revolvers chambered for 44 rem mag and 44 special. The Marlin model 1894 and the revolvers will be great together
I bought my Marlin 1894 in the early 1983, my 1st hunting arm. matter of fact my only hunting arm. Where I hunt it's all I need. Good for bear & deer. I never did but I still want a companion pistol for it. It has no checkering, fine with me. I added a Williams peep sight, scope is useless in the area. I added a loop lever just because it looks good, but is roomy for a gloved hand. I love the simplicity of the workings. I've had Remingtons but always had minor difficulties. Mostly with scopes & iron sights getting in the way, which I would forget about. I'll never get rid of my Marlin.
Nice video and comparisons. I've loved lever guns since I was a kid so I'm glad to see them making a strong comeback. I have three Henry rifles now....I just bought the H001 (.22LR) this week hahahahah, Plus I have the H009GCC (.30-30) and the H010GCC (.45-70). I also have four of the new Ruger made Marlins....the 1895 SBL, 1895 GBL, still looking for the 1895 Trapper at a fair price. I recently bought a 1894 Classic Model 70401 (the .44 Mag.) and the 1894 Classic Model 70410 (the .357 Mag). I'm hoping to get my hands on the 336 ( Model 70504) if and when I find one at a fair price. I have three Winchesters as well....a 1952 Model 94 .30-30, a 1977 Model 94 .30-30 and a 2023 Model 94 Short in .30-30.
I fired one of these in 44mag immediately after shooting an M1A (no muzzle break). After experiencing the kick and speed of that 308 round, I don’t remember the Marlin having any sort of a kick at all, and it seemed to take forever for the round to hit the target at 100yds.
I used to have a 336 marlin in 30/30 that I loved but did not shoot alot at the time(10-12 yrs ago).A friend of mine was in the market and absolutely loved the Marlin I had so I sold it to him for $400.I was in need of some extra money at the time so it kinda worked out.Low and behold if his son didn't go and steal it for drugs!!!(stepson btw).I was as mad as my buddy was and totally mad at myself.I was really thinking I would end up buying the gun back some day when he was done with it maybe.Well not to be.Gone forever.Well since that was my only big bore gone and it was gone I went on a gun buying binge since then(oh it's so fun).After numerous gun purchases of both rifles and hand guns I finally replaces my beloved lever action!!!This time though it's a 1894 marlin in 44mag.I am complete again and soooo happy and pleased with this beauty!!! thanks for reading my little story and thanks for a great vid!!!!
Hope Ruger does for marlin what they do with their guns I have this gun in 44 mag 357 and 30-30 all made by marlin great rifles thanks Don for all you do
I knew Ruger wasn't gonna disappoint when they bought Marlin. I expect them to knock it out of the park with their Marlin guns in the future. Good stuff, thanks for the video 👍
Thanks Brother! It really brought Marlin back in the game.
I’m not sure I knew this. This great to hear!
Sounds great to hear that about Marlin!☺
After the end of World War II Marlin was beating Winchester in the sales department After 1964 Winchester declined in sales and since then Winchester went down hill. Marlin had problems in the 1970’s and did ok in the 1980’s . Freedom group did hurt Marlin and Remington was doing fair with Marlin. Ruger will take Marlin to a higher level.
@@sootch00What's the recoil like?
Carbines in .44 mag are underrated imo.
357 mag also.
@@BurningPhoenix1995 I had a Win94 Trapper in 357. Really fun rifle and quite a powerful short range hunting rig.
Vastly underrated. You get .44 Mag for deer in the brush and out to 100 yards. You also get .44 special which is ideal for home defense. Its a great rifle for beginners because of the .44 special rounds too!
@@BurningPhoenix1995 I have the Henry in 44 mag it’s my deer rifle and is a fantastic gun, 0 issues with it, by far my favorite gun to shoot. I will say that the Marlins and Winchesters are better looking than the Henry. The tube feed is really handy I use it more than the side gate.
@@ridder4629Henry’s are alloy these are steel
i have a marlin 1894 in 44/40 that was made in 1898. it’s a great shooter.
I don't know anything about guns, but I made the coil that Ruger uses to heat treat the levers on these guns. I might have to get one as my first gun!
I hope Marlin is back for good 👋
Same here...
My brother got one back in the 90s and it was a huge piece of junk. You could see the barrel wasn't straight when you looked at it from the side, let alone looking down the barrel to sight it.
I'm glad to see them coming back with the quality my great grandpa's 336 was made with. And it still shoots solid and straight as it ever did. Not sure what year he bought it but I know it's old.
@@nsob8897 My father bought a Marlin 30-30 and hardly ever shot it. He wanted to sell it to me and I went to look at it and a large piece of the top, that comes back when clocked, was blown off. It really surprised me as Marlin was supposed to be a great gun.
I have a .44 magnum Henry. I've tried every manufacturer's ammunition in .44 mag plus reloads and never got less than 2 or 3-inch groups at 50 yards. A 100 yards was out of the question with this rifle. I haven't touched that Henry in over 3 or 4 years and it just sits in my safe. After watching this video I didn't think a .44 magnum was capable of achieving that kind of accuracy at 100 yards...with iron sights no less. Good video.
I've had 3" groups at 130yds with a ruger redhawk hunter.
I put a Marbles bullseye sight on my.44 Henry steel side gate and get 3" groups of a rest at 100 yards with 74 year old eyes and no glasses.
Being a left handed shooter, lever actions have always been my favorite type of rifle to shoot. Although my favorite is a Savage 1899 in .303, Marlins run an extremely close second, particularly in 45-70 Govt.
Make mine a Browning or Henry
I have a Savage 99 in 300 Savage and one in 243 Winchester! I also have a Marlin in 44 mag.
I have a Marlin 1894 .357 I bought in 2020. Its fit and finish are great. I shot a buck with it that year at 125 yards using the original buckhorn sights. One shot double lung and shot the arteries off the top of the heart. I have shot several deer with it every year since. I was happy to that Ruger picked up Marlin during the sale. That was truly the best case scenario for such a great American icon! Thanks for a great review of the new Marlin 1894. Ruger did an awesome job!
I have the same 1894c new in 2018, I feel it's actually better than my 1894c mfg 1982. the early Freedom Group units were rough, but I feel they were well sorted towards the end..
What ammo do you run In it for white tail deer? My 1894c is from 2010 and came out of the box a little rough but has worn in well after thousands of rounds. I use 180gr Underwood hard cast or similar load from Buffalo boar for hog hunting
@@Bradington I use Hornady LeverRevalution 140 grain FTX for deer hunting. That first buck in 2020 I shot at 125 yards only went 20 yards and I heard him crash hard and knew he was dead. There was a river of blood a blind man could follow. All the other deer I’ve shot since were much closer, and(30 - 35 yards) and have dropped where they stood.
@@AzPauly I agree. The early ones earned the nickname “Remlin”, but he later years Marlin produced some great rifles. I’ve been very happy with mine!
Need the 45-70 cowboy back.
I've been a fan of lever-action rifles for years, and this one seems like a great addition to any collection. The nostalgia combined with modern craftsmanship makes it a must-have for any firearm enthusiast
Whoo Whaa
i have a Marlin 1894 in 44 Mag that I bought at a gun show around 1994-95, before Freedom Group acquired them. It's very accurate.
I bought a new Marlin in 30-30 back in the 90’s because I could afford it. I later traded it for a bolt action rifle but I wish I’d kept it and just saved up for the bolt action. Awesome that Ruger is making great Marlin rifles.
Huge fan of this gun! Got mine a couple weeks ago and man is it fun! Ruger has done a fine job bringing Marlin back
how much you paid ?
I want one in .357 mag so bad. Already have a Winchester 94 in 44 mag.
Had a 94 in 357, the 16” Trapper version. An awesome lightweight hunting rifle you could carry all day. Get one, you won’t regret it.
One of the good things about Marlins was they were somewhat affordable. The price is the only knock, but Ruger really has done a good job with them. Some even say they run better than the old pre Rem Marlins. Im glad Ruger bought them out.
I bought a marlin 1894 in 1973 for $75 new. Corrected for inflation, today's price should be around $500
@@kenbyron54 I think the Ruger A rifles are good rifles too, but more often then not are priced in a category they dont belong. They should be priced like they used to be, near to the Savage Axis. Much better off with a Howa as its a better built gun then when nearing $500+.
This is extremely affordable in 2023 for the quality of firearm you get, especially since many of the italian reproduction lever guns are even more expensive and arguably lower in quality.
Great video! I have a 1990's era Marlin 1894 in .44 Magnum. It is a very nice rifle that was given to me by a neighbor. The rifle in .44 Magnum has a surprising amount of recoil and great for hunting in brush or self defense. The same rifle in .357 Magnum would be great shooter for the recoil averse. I'm glad to see the quality of Marlin return with Ruger ownership.
I will be very interested when I see a .357 version of this in a store.
Just announced the .357/38 recently.
Have several of the old Marlin 94s but very excited to get one of these new Ruger Marlins. Hoping they eventually bring out a stainless version, maybe a trapper , & a 41 mag. Thanks
They are around. Just got an SBL 1894.
That's a damn impressive gun. The fit and finish are excellent. Of course the 444 Marlin is my deer hunting rifle - a brush gun extraordinaire- but there's no doubt in my mind this one will do 90% of what the 444 can do.
Hello, triple four is indeed the best deer stopper.
I used to hunt with my 444SS. knocks them down on the spot in the brush. Bought a new Ruger marlin 44 mag. I think the 444 is going to be retired early-lol
I've always had a fascination with the 444 since the first time I saw one. It was the first big bore I had ever seen in a straight wall cartridge. I was in grade school and am still infatuated with it. Yes I know the 45/70 rules but the 444 will exceed all my needs and for some reason I think the 444 looks more elegant and there's something cool about different
@@davidwilliamson4530 Never had to chase a deer after shooting it with a 444.
Taking me back, I worked at Marlin's when they were on Willow St, New Haven, CT. They then built a new building in No. Haven, CT and moved everything to there. Then changes started, most employees were not happy, and management started to reassign jobs, taking the hourly employees and moving them to piecework jobs. I was in R&D, until they asked if I could help train a few guys in deep-hole drilling. I agreed but told them no more than 4 weeks. They tried to keep me there, but I told them I'd quit and go back to Winchesters, which was in New Haven as well, I worked there for a few years before Marlins, and was told I always had a job with them. I did end up leaving 8 months later to work the family business.
I tried some of that "deep hole drilling". I quit after I had to sell my bass boat to pay the child support.
The deep hole drilling was a dirty job, especially with the bit would break if the guides weren't checked. How long ago did you try it? Thanks for your comment, not everyone knows what it is. I hear you on child support, $1800 a month. @@philharmonic6481
Love the old fashioned Marlin lever guns. My 336 in 35 REM is my favorite rifle. I’d love to see Marlin do one in 357 Maximum. Either way I’ll be purchasing one in 357 since I have the original Ruger 44mag carbine.
So happy Ruger has saved the Marlin brand and is again producing quality made great lever guns!
Great vid !! I have a model 30 A , I got about 33 years ago . I has, and still is an awesome rifle. Was a gift from my wife second Christmas we were married. It's a family heirloom now.
Glad Ruger showed up to buy Marlin. Reputable company. I own several of their guns. Shot several critters with .44 mag rifle. Owned the Marlin in 16 inch barrel years ago. You have to be careful about ammo selection. Hollow points designed for pistol velocity, especially in the 180 grain weight, can achieve super high velocity out of the rifle and can grenade upon impact with an animal and fail to penetrate the body cavity, especially on a shoulder bone hit. The lead nose bullet in the 240 grain better choice.
i have had good luck with the 300 grain hornady xtp bullet. hits hard and expands well
@@kencaton6377 This rifle carries 1:20 rifling now, so it'll stabilize those long bullets.
I have an older Marlin 1894CB in 357. I replaced the sights with Skinner sights. It made a powerful difference. I plink with that gun. I have a 38spl load I use in 357 brass, I call it a popper load. I love shooting that rifle.
A mate of mine here in Australia recently picked up one of the new marlin 44mags and it beautiful, nearly didn't give it back after a few shots. Pricey at around $2100au but well worth it.
Lever rifles are my all time favorite . I actually get bored shoot AR's and other S/A rifles. There's just something about running a lever or bolt that I love. And speaking of , running (actually running) with a lever gun is so much easier that anything else because in the words of Gun Blue 490 "It's like a luggage handle". That .44mag is really zipping out of that long barrel. I'm hoping, like others, that Marlin makes one in .357
Its the click clack boom isnt it
The .357 is coming 👍👍
.357/.38 Special would be awesome!
I probably should have watched your review first, but when I stepped into my local gun shop this morning I saw this 1894 and couldn't leave without it. I bought the 1895 Trapper when Ruger brought that back out and couldn't be happier with it, so when I heard they were reintroducing the 1894 I had to have one. Years ago I had a Marlin JM 1849P and during an out of mind experience I sold it, regretting it ever since. I was able to get this 1894 for $999,90 + tax. Thanks for a very good review.
What Ruger really needs to do is bring back the deerfield 44 carbines! However it is good to see this no doubt and i'm thinking it may be a more handy option for my teenage daughter to hunt with over the 300 Sav she uses now. Not to mention much more ammo selection and cheaper to shoot. Also i have just always liked 44 magnum myself.
Great review Sootch! Fun to watch, I'm glad Ruger is building Marlins now too!
I bought one of these in 357 and was greatly impressed. Enough so that I ordered the 44 version the other day!
both how much you paid ?
@@chenisikymoh Right about $1K.
Great do-it-all caliber, gorgeous iteration on the '94. Envious.
Thank you for the review. I'm being offered a trade into a 1894 and wanted to look at it prior to commitment. I figured that it would feed the 44spl. I'm glad you talked about them. As my revolver is in that caliber and I'm thinking the 1894 will be a great companion weapon.
A very nice touch that Ruger
did, is to give this gun a 1and 20 rifling twist. This makes for a great improvement when shooting heavier bullets.
Good to see Marlin back.
I want the Model 60 back. That was my first Marlin learned to shoot with my grandfather. Then I was able to get a 444 as my first gun when I turned 18. Love the old Marlins.
I’m lucky enough to have a Winchester model 1894 30-30 made in 1962. I’ve had several Marlins but this one is absolutely beautiful. I guess it’s time to start looking for one.
Marlin....was my first gun...My dad ...bought it for 5 brothers and sisters....22...cal....
Here is a very beautiful rifle I bought one for $450 7 years ago it is amazing how they have went up to 1,800 to 2500 takes the fun right out of it
You can find them both under $1,000.. however.. we'll never see them priced under $500 again.. sadly!
I have noticed that the price is driven by demand and greed!!! There's people that want to make a living off of jacked up prices.. especially ammo!
Bidenflation
I love my RM Marlin 1895 SBL 45-70 GOVT and my Henry Big Boy .44Mag/.44SPCL. I really like the tubular magazine with the side loading gate in the newer Henry models, but I do think the Ruger made Marlin models have a slight edge in the fit and finish looking slightly better. Good thing we still live in a free enough country to own both! 😉
Good to see the 1894 back in production. Just hoping when they get up and running full speed, they will bring back the 1894 in the cowboy version. I just love the octagonal barrels, gives it the older look and feel of a traditional rifle of days gone by.
This rifle is beautiful. I own a Winchester 94 Trapper with a 16 in barrel in .44 mag, with plain walnut stocks. Maybe Ruger/Marlin could offer something like this to bring down their selling price a bit! $1200 retail is a lot of $$ for the average working man!
I'd really like to see Ruger bring back the Deerfield 44 magnum semiauto carbine. Unlike their first time around, I think would sell better today.
My dad bought one of the original 44 mag semi auto s. Fantastic rifle. He shot a lot of deer with it. He also liked to shoot grouse and partridge with it. Take the heads clean off.
Cheers
Working a winter job in Anchorage Alaska at the time Kmart folded up business in Alaska I had the chance as a gun counter employee to by any or all of the 5 Ruger Deerfields 44 magnums on the gun rack for $100 but I passed well you think I screwed up?
Those guns today are worth a sack of gold.
I really want the 45-70 model. I think a lever action is gonna be my next purchase.
45-70 is my favorite!
Saving for the .357 version to cowboy carry with my single action Sauer and Son's.
I have owned all era’s of Winchesters (pre-64, post-64, Miroku), Henry’s, and Marlin’s (pre remington, remington, and now Ruger). I think the new Ruger Marlin’s are the best of them all. Pre-remington Marlin’s were very nicely made, but I think the new Ruger Marlin’s are a lot more consistent. Henry’s aren’t bad, but they are effectively Marlin clones and were doing well when Marlin’s were generally sub-par under remington. You won’t go wrong with a Miroku Winchester, Henry, or Ruger Marlin… but I still think the new Ruger Marlin’s are a hair ahead of the Henry’s. Miroku Winchester quality is amazing, but the Marlin action is simply superior. I think Henry’s are very very nice guns with great features… but it terms of feel and tolerance of construction, I think the Ruger Marlin’s squeak ahead.
For the $$ they want for one, it better.
I do not own a ruger marlin, but i have several Ruger revolvers. They are awsome. Im sure if Ruger is in charge,their marlins will be the same.
The Marlins are easy to clean. Just unscrew the lever screw and pull the bolt out and you are ready to go.
I’ve been with you for a long time with your channel it’s always a source of relaxation enjoyment learning. Thank you.
I'm waiting on the Model 1897 or 39a. When that comes out Ruger would dominate 22lr market. To compete against Henry, Ruger could offer both an entry level "Wrangler" model, as well as high end stainless and blued steel frame models. It only makes sense since they've done it successfully with the Single Six.
I would love to see the 39M with 20” bbl. I miss my 39M. It was hand and a sweet shooter. One of my biggest regrets is letting that one go
Beautiful gun. Been considering it as my new deer rifle.
Great stuff, looking forward to the other models they add. Thanks for the review!
So glad Ruger has brought the Marlin back to real competition. I have an older 336 that I think is to beautiful to shoot, just love looking at it.
My fiend has one from the 80's The most fun gun we ever had. Never jammed but it kicks too. They are the best.
Finally got to test the 44 lever at the range a few days ago. Operates perfect. Using 44 special, it only makes a pop sound as you fire it. I thought I had a squib! Then my sone tells me "Dad, there's a hole right above the bullseye". He was right. Made about the same sound as a .22. Beautiful carbine. Happy to have it.
OMG.... i am so glad i bought my stainless 1894 .44 mag when i did. I think i paid $500 new. Of course that was 20 years ago. Still its my favorite deer hunting gun. And Absolutely beautiful with the horse hair sling I have on it.
I LOVE my Marlins. Have several. From the 39 A, 336, 1894 in 357/38 Spl and in 44 Mag, and model 444 in 444 Marlin. And like I said I LOVE my Marlins. Have taken several types of game with them. Some are JM marks, older models without the crossbolt safety and newer models with the crossbolt safety
That Marlin is beautiful!!! It puts that Henry to shame!!!
I load my 44mag cartridges with 45 Colt SAA loading data which makes for a comfortable shooting session.
Nice video. I did notice that you called the Marlin a Henry at least 3 times.
Nice review, looks like a fine rifle ... very impressed thus far with Ruger. They are showing all due respect for a legend. My first was a 1976 Marlin 336C in .30-30 which I still own and shoot. have several lever actions here, wonderful firearms for anyone to enjoy!
Just glad that Ruger got Marlin quality back to life. It was always possible. Now it is a job well done. Bill Ruger would be mighty proud. Bill was a champion to the bone.
Great review every time sootch comes out with a new review I go down to my man cave and check if I have the item on video 😅 or if I need it 😂 sootch thank you for the time and the work you put into the videos you are the best
The first rifle bought for me was a Marlin 70HC .22LR. I saved up and put a Tasco Pronghorn 4x32mm scope on it. A lot of ground squirrels fell to that combo, back when you could buy a brick of .22s for $10.
I have been eyeing that 1985 SBL in 45-70. I want this one now. Such a good looking gun.
I’m holding out until Ruger/Marlin releases their 1894 SBL version.
I prefer either the Henry or Marlin without checking on nice walnut. Nice thing about lever action rifles is you can top up the magazine while in battery; which might be nice in certain situations.
I have a Marlin 39A with a gold trigger in .22 L.R., Marlin 336 in .30-30 caliber, Marlin Cowboy Competition in .45 colt caliber all stamped JM.
I also have a Henry Big Boy tube fed only in .44 magnum caliber.
The Cowboy Competition has really slick action and is color case hardened.
All of them are fine rifles.
Hombre no, the Ruger stock looks better and TRADITIONAL, was gonna get a Henry but after this video I'm going RUGER... , glad I've waited...video was awesome
Holy cow, what a beautiful rifle
Marlin makes nice rifles, the one you showed pops louder than my Prostate 💥 Hooah. Greetings from Sweden 🇸🇪🙋🏼♂️
Love the marlins , waiting for this dandy gun to come back out , can't wait !! 😋👍😁
Nice review! I have this same model in 44 mag made in the late 70's.
You can also put a Williams Ghost Ring rear sight on that receiver (my favorite), and extend your sight radius. It's real fast getting on target!
I am impressed with the bluing on my Ruger American Rimfire 22. That alone says quality.
Great review of both rifles. Thanks for sharing this informative video. Stay safe out there.
I have a burris red dot on mine it's great for quick targeting while hog hunting
A Remington Marlin 1894c 357 was my verry first firearm and i absolutely love it. I hope Ruger will bring back the SBL in .44 mag.
Youre my favorite reviewer.
And this is a great show and thanks again for the info 👍👍👍👍👍
Thank God Ruger brought the quality back to Marlin! Thank you for the review!
Thank you for pronouncing Mayodan properly. One of the 1st UA-camrs I've heard get it right.
No sooner did I fill out the 4473 at Cabela’s-Fort Worth for my RM94 did you bring us this great video. I’m looking forward to time at the loading bench and then the shooting bench. I wish Hornady still made the 265gr Flat Point Interlock(I don’t care for the FTX. I feel it’s a great bullet. But it’s not “classic”[and I’m a bit bitter about Hornady discontinuing many of the classics]). With that 20” bbl I think enough speed can be generated to get that hard-to-open 300gr XTP expand well with sane handloads. I’m in agreement with about everyone here: Ruger has done marvelous things since acquiring Marlin. I thank them very much. And thank you, Sootch for your glowing review of this wonderful carbine!
I picked up a used Marlin 1894 in 44 Magnum recently. Mine dates to 2019, making it one of those so-called Remlins, but honestly it performs flawlessly and fit and finish are great. Maybe the quality issues had been worked out by then?
The only "Remlins" affected by bad quality control that people constantly harp on were made in 2007-2008. After that the QC was almost entirely fixed....but the reputation stuck.
@@homie3star I just bought a marlin 1894 and I didn't get the man date from the seller.I read that if you subtract 10 off the first 3 numbers of the serial#.For instance mine would be 100-10=1990. have you heard of this?
I bought a Remlin in 3030. That rifle sucked. I returned it the next day without firing a shot. The wood had gaps and to work the lever needed 2 grown men and a boy to break it loose.@@homie3star
You referred to the Ruger as a Henry " 3 times so far in the video by 13:49 time frame . Thought I'd mention it so viewers aren't confused. I've owned manyyy of those marlins and still do.
I have old model square bolts' round bolt models and an old model 444 in 444 caliber several 45-70s and bunch of 30-30s. Great guns 👍the ruger built Marlin has my vote 100% over the Henry because Henry's don't look traditional as do the marlins. No old levers wore tube fed tubes like Henry put on thier guns. If I own a cowboy style gun, it has to be one. Great job and my hat is off to Ruger once again for resurrecting a good old work horse line of levers. You've done Marlin Proud ! 👍
You kept calling the Marlin a Henry during the comparison on safety and recoil pad 😂 Great guns, glad to see Ruger bring up the quality and keep Marlin going.
What i like is Ruger has several single action revolvers chambered for 44 rem mag and 44 special. The Marlin model 1894 and the revolvers will be great together
The Marlin in .357 Magnum area real blast to shoot ❤. Especially when shooting .38 Specials in it .
I bought my Marlin 1894 in the early 1983, my 1st hunting arm. matter of fact my only hunting arm. Where I hunt it's all I need. Good for bear & deer. I never did but I still want a companion pistol for it. It has no checkering, fine with me. I added a Williams peep sight, scope is useless in the area. I added a loop lever just because it looks good, but is roomy for a gloved hand. I love the simplicity of the workings.
I've had Remingtons but always had minor difficulties. Mostly with scopes & iron sights getting in the way, which I would forget about. I'll never get rid of my Marlin.
Great video as always. Keep em coming. I hoped that Ruger would do well with Marlin and they have!!
Mr. Don one part of the vids i love is the bloopers pics at the end.
Nice video and comparisons. I've loved lever guns since I was a kid so I'm glad to see them making a strong comeback.
I have three Henry rifles now....I just bought the H001 (.22LR) this week hahahahah, Plus I have the H009GCC (.30-30) and the H010GCC (.45-70). I also have four of the new Ruger made Marlins....the 1895 SBL, 1895 GBL, still looking for the 1895 Trapper at a fair price. I recently bought a 1894 Classic Model 70401 (the .44 Mag.) and the 1894 Classic Model 70410 (the .357 Mag). I'm hoping to get my hands on the 336 ( Model 70504) if and when I find one at a fair price. I have three Winchesters as well....a 1952 Model 94 .30-30, a 1977 Model 94 .30-30 and a 2023 Model 94 Short in .30-30.
I fired one of these in 44mag immediately after shooting an M1A (no muzzle break).
After experiencing the kick and speed of that 308 round, I don’t remember the Marlin having any sort of a kick at all, and it seemed to take forever for the round to hit the target at 100yds.
That’s a fine looking lever gum ! 👍
Love the lever actions. That's a beautiful rifle, for sure.
I have a Henry 45-70, a Winchester 30-30, and 2 JM Marlins in.35 Rem and.357 Mag. I definitely need a Ruger Marlin in .44 Mag!!
I used to have a 336 marlin in 30/30 that I loved but did not shoot alot at the time(10-12 yrs ago).A friend of mine was in the market and absolutely loved the Marlin I had so I sold it to him for $400.I was in need of some extra money at the time so it kinda worked out.Low and behold if his son didn't go and steal it for drugs!!!(stepson btw).I was as mad as my buddy was and totally mad at myself.I was really thinking I would end up buying the gun back some day when he was done with it maybe.Well not to be.Gone forever.Well since that was my only big bore gone and it was gone I went on a gun buying binge since then(oh it's so fun).After numerous gun purchases of both rifles and hand guns I finally replaces my beloved lever action!!!This time though it's a 1894 marlin in 44mag.I am complete again and soooo happy and pleased with this beauty!!! thanks for reading my little story and thanks for a great vid!!!!
30/30 is my deer rifle. It’s great. I want one of those 1894 rifles.
What an excellent review of an exquisite masterpiece.
Hope Ruger does for marlin what they do with their guns I have this gun in 44 mag 357 and 30-30 all made by marlin great rifles thanks Don for all you do
Thanks Terry!
You are funny, Sootch. I really like these outtakes.