Holy shit. I definitely thought this was just a tastefully done custom build, but it's legit the factory setup. I want that lever in stainless. Ruger is killing it with some of their recent offerings.
They really are going all out! Hopefully their production ramps up to meet the demand. They have a killer offering and could really do some damage in the market with it, if they have the numbers to sell.
That's a nice package for those looking to get into the more modern looking lever gun. This style of using modern features on lever guns has given them a new extension on life and popularity. It'll be interesting to see how other brands respond to keep up and what other features might start being available.
Love it!!! But you can’t even get the SBL or Trapper because they are never in stock! Make a few more so we can buy them! I was on a waiting list for nearly a year at a local sporting goods store. I walked in to check the inventory, and there she was, a Henry 45-70 side-gate!!! I immediately said I’ll take that one right there!!! I used my deposit on the SBL toward the Henry!!!! I own two other Henry lever action rifles, so no regrets!!! I’ll buy that SBL when I come across one in stock!!! That dark model looks awesome too!!! 🇺🇸 Merica!
Great quick look. That handguard (I really want to call it a forend) looks really nice. Including the cheek riser shows that the new Marlin is really paying attention to what customers are doing with their rifles. All that said, part of me wishes Marlin would focus on producing enough 336 Classics and 1894s to satisfy demand so the scum on GunJoker and elsewhere stop gouging people on pricing.
I had the opportunity to pick up the dark or the trapper and went with the trapper. Yeah the dark looks cool but the trapper and SBL both have receiver and barrel forged from stainless steel while the dark is made from an alloy steel. The trapper also comes with a fluted nickel plated bolt, it’s a better choice.
I do think this is a neat concept by Ruger as a modern update to the classic series of Marlin lever action rifles. While this is a niche market, I do think the Dark Series rifles will sell and do well in their market area.
Nice intro Brian, I'm having a lot of fun playing with mine. Looking forward to your thoughts as you get more time with the rifle. Also, congrats on the new baby!
Do you happen to know if the Marlin dark stock is compatible with the trapper? I’d love a more tactical stock on my trapper and don’t love the rpp skeletonized one
For the “will it fit” series for the Marlin Dark 1895, I’d be interested in knowing if the RPP trigger for Marlin will be a “drop in” fit or will some gunsmifing required (slight filing and if so, where). I noticed on mine, the “marlin trigger flop” and would like to have that reduced or eliminated. RPP has a note on their website with regards to Ruger made Marlins after Aug 2023 may have some fitment issues. Thanks for the review and your series of videos!
As primarily an AR and 9MM guy, this has me excited about level guns and 45-70. I have some big guns I don't really like and NEVER shoot, might get rid of that and get this
Hey Brian, finally picked up an 1895 Dark! Beautiful fit and finish...I also really like the stock and forend. Only issue so far is an atrocious trigger. Pull weight is 8.5 lbs on my digital Lyman gauge! How was your trigger? I'll probably get a Wild West guns trigger for it but they're out of stock at the moment. Thanks.
Congratulations!! And looking forward to your detailed review. Have you heard any info if Marlin is going to make the 44 mag and 357 in the dark series?
They are....the 336 in 30-30 is out now (good luck finding one close to MSRP, much like 45-70) and they are shipping the 94 in .357/.38 as well as 44 Mag/Special sometime in the Spring according to their website.
Can confirm, they did not put torx in all of them. Bought a 1894 on saturday. Still has flat head screws on top of issues with pulling the spent casing and ejecting. No matter how hard i slam the lever open it won’t always pull the spent casing or if it does it never ejects. So looks like its already off the marlin.
Reason Remington used the strong and heavier wood butt stock and forearm was for durability and to dampen recoil. All this polymer only exacerbates felt recoil. They install a muzzle break on the end, but this does not truly help much at all to mitigate recoil because of the polymer butt stock. I do not mean to criticize, it’s a matter of preference. I am just more old school traditional.
I got tired of waiting for Marlin to come out with the new one. I showed the old one some love. It came with rings for a scope. Which I took off and just used iron sights. I was wondering what kind of optics do you recommend. I can ad a rail to the top.
Ruger bringin this model back properly. I wanted one before but wouldn’t buy a Remlin. I want one even more now. I gave a feeling these are going to be difficult to find for a while.
Very nice addition to the lineup except 1. Not a fan of the buttstock. With the mlok recessed i dont see how a quiver will install. 2. I would install a RP buttstock. 3. I look forward to the Trapper version
honestly I preferred the Remlin Dark 357 look. Much "tacticool"er. The paracord lever wrap, paracord sling and epoxy coated furniture really gave it a great sleeker look. A rail is toooooo much for me on a lever gun, and this new stock is meh.....Also, Remlin dark (item #70412) had torx head screws....Ruger marlin did not "add" that as you said, it was done before. I know as I have it.
My only worry is using the rifle with the polymer stock in the severe cold weather we get here in Western Nebraska. Do you think it's durable enough for -20 degree hunting conditions?
Old video I know, but my local outdoor range limits rifles to 308 due to noise (and of course here in Canadastan, all suppression is illegal, don't get me started). I have a beginner's question - I assumed because of the ft-lbs of energy & caliber, that the 45-70 is louder than a 308, right? Would a 44mag version of this rifle, or even a 357, be as loud as a 308? While I'm asking, would a 6.5PRC be louder than a 308? Just looking for a caliber I could have fun with at the range without going down to a 243. Until suppressors are legal again, this is where I'm stuck. I don't know what creates the most noise - the amount of powder, the weight of the projectile, the velocity of the projectile, the type of action (e.g. assuming semi-auto would be louder because of the action being 'open' a split second after firing, so as to collect the next cartridge? Assuming a break-barrel would be quietest due to the firing being isolated or encased in a closed breech - followed by bolt/lever actions?). Anyone with advice, I'd appreciate it.
Howdy Sir. Mazel Tov on the baby. I’ve been jonesing for one of these and I’ve got two questions. First, in this vid and the Gunblast vid it looked as if the lever was kind of “sticky” coming off the grip. I’m curious if it will break in with some use. Second, what is the rear sight’s height over the rail? With a red dot on a low mount, would the iron sights still be usable? Thanks.
Thank you!! They are always a bit stiff right out of the box. It will smooth out over time or with a good action polishing. No, the sight isn’t high enough to cowitness.
Did Ruger/Marlin give any insight into actually producing them for dealers to sell? Because it's as if they've stopped production on all of their lever guns. Even being a preferred dealer at a few of our distributors I've almost given up on getting any Marlin levers in.
So glad you have one of these to review. I am looking forward for your opinions on it. I want one, but wondering how hard it will be to find, and of course the prices over list they will most likely selling for.
Yeah, I'm really curious about the availability as well. It seems to be VERY well made; and it's something that has been heavily requested. I would think they'd try to get more of these to market than the others because of the popularity. We shall see. I'll do my best to work it hard for you guys. Thanks for watching!
The Cerakote finish is very durable and can withstand pretty much any weather. The inside of the rifle will need to be cleaned an oiled if it's in bad weather. But in reality, any rifle needs to be thoroughly cleaned an oiled inside and out, even if it's hard chrome or stainless.
I feel like they missed the mark with that stock though. Other than that it’s pretty slick! Throwing my factory trapper stock on this thing would look 👌
It really depends on your ultimate needs, wants, and budget. I like having the variety, but if I could only have one it would be either a Trapper or a Dark. I like the short and handy nature of them.
I'm sure someone will tackle those eventually. The folding stock is tricky because of it interfaces with the rifle and how the hammer/strut work. You would only be folding a small portion of the stock.
Holy shit. I definitely thought this was just a tastefully done custom build, but it's legit the factory setup. I want that lever in stainless. Ruger is killing it with some of their recent offerings.
They really are going all out! Hopefully their production ramps up to meet the demand. They have a killer offering and could really do some damage in the market with it, if they have the numbers to sell.
@@buildhuntxplore Agreed. As long as it doesn't become unobtainium, they could seriously be onto something special.
That black sure is sexy, I must say.
Dude ive been trying to order one for weeks.. i cant get my hands on one at all.
@@LanceJohnston-d9q Wish you luck, it's a purdy freedom messenger
I love what Ruger has done with the Marlin name.
Me too!
I hadn't expected they would bring out the Dark series so quickly. I'm glad they did though.
It was the most requested one to come out. I'm very glad they listened.
That's a nice package for those looking to get into the more modern looking lever gun. This style of using modern features on lever guns has given them a new extension on life and popularity. It'll be interesting to see how other brands respond to keep up and what other features might start being available.
I agree. I think there will be a lot more variants coming to market
These were what I was waiting for. Waiting for the 30-30 though
Just randomly stumbled on one today at the store and bought it. Thanks to this video I realized how great of a purchase I made
Wow that’s amazing! Lucky you 👍 Thanks for watching!
Love it!!! But you can’t even get the SBL or Trapper because they are never in stock! Make a few more so we can buy them! I was on a waiting list for nearly a year at a local sporting goods store. I walked in to check the inventory, and there she was, a Henry 45-70 side-gate!!! I immediately said I’ll take that one right there!!! I used my deposit on the SBL toward the Henry!!!! I own two other Henry lever action rifles, so no regrets!!! I’ll buy that SBL when I come across one in stock!!! That dark model looks awesome too!!! 🇺🇸 Merica!
Thanks!! Haha awesome. You’ll love it when you get one 👍
@@buildhuntxplore No Doubt!!!
Palmetto state armory has them
@@slow_rider_st I’ll need to look into; thanks!
I checked, they don't have them listed. Only SBLs and classics.
Great quick look. That handguard (I really want to call it a forend) looks really nice. Including the cheek riser shows that the new Marlin is really paying attention to what customers are doing with their rifles.
All that said, part of me wishes Marlin would focus on producing enough 336 Classics and 1894s to satisfy demand so the scum on GunJoker and elsewhere stop gouging people on pricing.
Thanks! Yeah it’d be nice to have more out there.
Awesome! Next tool to add to the box! Love Henry but I’ve been waiting for the New Ruger built Marlin. Competition is needed for innovation!
So true!! It’s exciting times 🤠
Marlin hit it out of park with their current offerings. So happy Ruger purchased Marlin.
So true!!
I had the opportunity to pick up the dark or the trapper and went with the trapper. Yeah the dark looks cool but the trapper and SBL both have receiver and barrel forged from stainless steel while the dark is made from an alloy steel. The trapper also comes with a fluted nickel plated bolt, it’s a better choice.
I’m horrible I bought both 😅
It has set up a new standard for modern tactical style lever action rifles. A new era has come.
I completely agree. They did an amazing job.
Congrats on the baby man
Thank you!!
Very nice!!! Been looking to get back into a 4570. Might have to check it out
You will love it!!
Cant wait till its readily available in local gun stores for purchase. Here in Midwest its nice to have a brush gun.
Most definitely 👍
I do think this is a neat concept by Ruger as a modern update to the classic series of Marlin lever action rifles. While this is a niche market, I do think the Dark Series rifles will sell and do well in their market area.
No doubt
Nice intro Brian, I'm having a lot of fun playing with mine. Looking forward to your thoughts as you get more time with the rifle. Also, congrats on the new baby!
Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying yours too. And thank you, she's a handful, but man is she fun!
Do you happen to know if the Marlin dark stock is compatible with the trapper? I’d love a more tactical stock on my trapper and don’t love the rpp skeletonized one
Oh my fn God! That back wall! I'm so jealous! I will be getting one of these
Thanks! You’d love it. Gallowtech gunwall 👍
Just got mine today for $2299. Not horrible on the price. Also got trapper for $1950 a month ago. Excited to test out both head to head
For the “will it fit” series for the Marlin Dark 1895, I’d be interested in knowing if the RPP trigger for Marlin will be a “drop in” fit or will some gunsmifing required (slight filing and if so, where). I noticed on mine, the “marlin trigger flop” and would like to have that reduced or eliminated. RPP has a note on their website with regards to Ruger made Marlins after Aug 2023 may have some fitment issues. Thanks for the review and your series of videos!
As primarily an AR and 9MM guy, this has me excited about level guns and 45-70. I have some big guns I don't really like and NEVER shoot, might get rid of that and get this
Bought mine. Think I’m just adding mlok quiver sling & dot & DA Primal. no take down screws or Ranger point trigger on this one.
Sounds like a plan 👍
Looks great right out of the box.
It really is!
Hey Brian, finally picked up an 1895 Dark! Beautiful fit and finish...I also really like the stock and forend. Only issue so far is an atrocious trigger. Pull weight is 8.5 lbs on my digital Lyman gauge! How was your trigger? I'll probably get a Wild West guns trigger for it but they're out of stock at the moment. Thanks.
Pick mine up Friday can't wait
Would love to see a video with your groupings with different ammo brands like you mentioned in the beginning of your first look
Congratulations!!
And looking forward to your detailed review.
Have you heard any info if Marlin is going to make the 44 mag and 357 in the dark series?
Thank you!! I haven't. I didn't know this was coming until the last minute. Hopefully so though. I really want a 30-30 version.
They are....the 336 in 30-30 is out now (good luck finding one close to MSRP, much like 45-70) and they are shipping the 94 in .357/.38 as well as 44 Mag/Special sometime in the Spring according to their website.
Nope, 45-70 only. 30-30 and 44 set for early next year.
A great looking gun. Can not wait to handle one. A composite forehand would be nice and warmer in the deer woods up north in winter.
You'll love it! I agree, when hunting, aluminum is NOT your friend, haha.
That's beautiful. I just finished making the damn near identical gun using ranger point gear! 👍🏻
Nice! They make great products 👍
Can confirm, they did not put torx in all of them. Bought a 1894 on saturday. Still has flat head screws on top of issues with pulling the spent casing and ejecting. No matter how hard i slam the lever open it won’t always pull the spent casing or if it does it never ejects. So looks like its already off the marlin.
Reason Remington used the strong and heavier wood butt stock and forearm was for durability and to dampen recoil. All this polymer only exacerbates felt recoil. They install a muzzle break on the end, but this does not truly help much at all to mitigate recoil because of the polymer butt stock. I do not mean to criticize, it’s a matter of preference. I am just more old school traditional.
Just got mine! Putting my Hybrid 46 on it, its going to be a lot of fun
Awesome!!
I got tired of waiting for Marlin to come out with the new one. I showed the old one some love. It came with rings for a scope. Which I took off and just used iron sights. I was wondering what kind of optics do you recommend. I can ad a rail to the top.
Red dot is the way to go 👍
Ruger is hitting a home run after another
Absolutely!
Ruger bringin this model back properly. I wanted one before but wouldn’t buy a Remlin. I want one even more now. I gave a feeling these are going to be difficult to find for a while.
Oh yeah! And yeah they will be hard to find at retail cost for quite some time.
Very nice addition to the lineup except
1. Not a fan of the buttstock. With the mlok recessed i dont see how a quiver will install.
2. I would install a RP buttstock.
3. I look forward to the Trapper version
Thanks! There are some options that will work. I’ll show those coming up. RPP is always a good way to go 👍
honestly I preferred the Remlin Dark 357 look. Much "tacticool"er. The paracord lever wrap, paracord sling and epoxy coated furniture really gave it a great sleeker look. A rail is toooooo much for me on a lever gun, and this new stock is meh.....Also, Remlin dark (item #70412) had torx head screws....Ruger marlin did not "add" that as you said, it was done before. I know as I have it.
Like the updating they've done.
That rifle is screaming for an LPVO.
lol it’ll be a nice addition
I assume you could add a laminated stock to this? I think the grey wood stock with the all black gun would look amazing.
Thanks for making an issue out of the Torx heads. Maybe some of the other manufacturers will hear you.
Hi, love the show. the new Hex screws on the rifle can you buy the set to replace existing screw on older rifles, my rifle is 366SS. cheers mate
Thanks! Not from Marlin, but I’ve got some coming soon that I’ll be showing you guys 👍
@@buildhuntxplore Some for the SBL would be great
If only. Just like the stainless sbl 45-70 will be insanely hard to track down
Sadly so for quite a while
Waiting on the 336 to come out, because I want the 30-30 for my Omega.
Man yeah! Great combo.
I was going to get a Henry x 30-30 and go with RPP rail and stock but seriously considering this instead now. Wonder what the price is
Both are great options. MSRP is around 1300 I think, but they are going on gunbroker for over 2500 from what I’ve heard.
love the front sight
It works very well!
My only worry is using the rifle with the polymer stock in the severe cold weather we get here in Western Nebraska. Do you think it's durable enough for -20 degree hunting conditions?
I cant wait for mine to arrive in Australia ...
Looks like a winner!
Man yeah!!
Long live the Lever action !
Old video I know, but my local outdoor range limits rifles to 308 due to noise (and of course here in Canadastan, all suppression is illegal, don't get me started). I have a beginner's question -
I assumed because of the ft-lbs of energy & caliber, that the 45-70 is louder than a 308, right? Would a 44mag version of this rifle, or even a 357, be as loud as a 308? While I'm asking, would a 6.5PRC be louder than a 308? Just looking for a caliber I could have fun with at the range without going down to a 243. Until suppressors are legal again, this is where I'm stuck.
I don't know what creates the most noise - the amount of powder, the weight of the projectile, the velocity of the projectile, the type of action (e.g. assuming semi-auto would be louder because of the action being 'open' a split second after firing, so as to collect the next cartridge? Assuming a break-barrel would be quietest due to the firing being isolated or encased in a closed breech - followed by bolt/lever actions?).
Anyone with advice, I'd appreciate it.
Can you do a video showing how to delete the safety on the Rossi R95
I will add it to my list 👍
Yes please
👍😎
That is a great looking rifle.
Thanks! I think so too 👍
I’ve been eyeing up a big caliber lever action rifle for a little while now. I think I just found it.
Gun dealers are over inflating the price of these now don’t buy them unless they’re around 1300!
Yep, it's sad
Sorry if I missed it but what’s the price on this thing ? It’s sweet I’d love to get a lever action one day
No problem. MSRP is about 1400, but sadly pretty much all dealers are putting them on gunbroker and they are 2500+
Looking forward to seeing the groups at 100yrds
Me too!
Nice collection 💥
Thank you!!
Howdy Sir. Mazel Tov on the baby. I’ve been jonesing for one of these and I’ve got two questions. First, in this vid and the Gunblast vid it looked as if the lever was kind of “sticky” coming off the grip. I’m curious if it will break in with some use. Second, what is the rear sight’s height over the rail? With a red dot on a low mount, would the iron sights still be usable? Thanks.
Thank you!!
They are always a bit stiff right out of the box. It will smooth out over time or with a good action polishing.
No, the sight isn’t high enough to cowitness.
Did Ruger/Marlin give any insight into actually producing them for dealers to sell? Because it's as if they've stopped production on all of their lever guns. Even being a preferred dealer at a few of our distributors I've almost given up on getting any Marlin levers in.
So glad you have one of these to review. I am looking forward for your opinions on it. I want one, but wondering how hard it will be to find, and of course the prices over list they will most likely selling for.
Yeah, I'm really curious about the availability as well. It seems to be VERY well made; and it's something that has been heavily requested. I would think they'd try to get more of these to market than the others because of the popularity. We shall see. I'll do my best to work it hard for you guys. Thanks for watching!
There's a bunch on gunbroker right now and based on that alone, you'll be paying at least 2500 for one if not more.
Yep, you're right. Definitely going to be nightmare because of that.
Yeah, no thank you for that price...
Luigi, go green!!
lol it’s ah me, Mario!
@@buildhuntxplore Ha ha
I HAVENT SAW ANY IN MY STORES AROUND HERE YET
Now if I could just freaking find one
Well, mine broke. Handguard popped off. Front end where the two screws go to hold the handguard up completely broke off. Waiting on Marlins response.
Does Marlin or Henry make a better lever action?
Do it to the stainless Trapper!!!!
That furniture would look good on the Trapper 👍
how do you install the ranger point handguard on this model. need a video how to do it
Is it possible to put the wooden stock of the Marlin 1895 SBL onto the Dark 1895?
I will be showing that very soon. I haven't attempted it yet, but I believe so.
How can I get one !! No were to be found
I’m still looking for the 44 Mag but this one might be taking my attention
You really need both, trust me :D
Both great options!
Man that looks nice! 🔥 🔥
Thanks! I’m loving it.
@@buildhuntxplore I believe you! Pure beauty!
Nice factory rifle do they make one in 30-30 wcf and cost?
Not yet. This is the first in the Dark series. I’m sure the other calibers will follow.
Wait... it COMES like that?!? 😮
Yep!! lol
Just bought one today 🙏🏼
Awesome 😎
please build a 30 30 in this series
I think they plan too next year 👍 I’m VERY excited for that one
In your opinion, how does this rifle fare when it comes to bear defense (both black and brown)?
It's excellent for those
@@buildhuntxplore Awesome, this Marlin seems like a great choice then. I just might have to pick it up in the near future. Thank you for your thoughts
Where can this model be purchased? Doesn't appear to be released yet.
They released a small amount. Everything I’ve seen for sale is on gun broker. Sadly they are going for way over msrp
Finally we're going to abolish the flat head screw's.
oh yeah!
When is the actual release date of these? MSRP?
Me finally having the Marlin 1895 SBL-I LOVE THIS THING!!!! I don't think I need another one...
Me after seeing this-I WANT THAT SO BAD 0___0
🤣🤣🤣
@@buildhuntxplore 😆
Does the regular Lever Happy Tune Kit fit the dark series?
Standard internals 👍
how do these do in the weather? are they able be abused at all like the all weather henry’s?
The Cerakote finish is very durable and can withstand pretty much any weather. The inside of the rifle will need to be cleaned an oiled if it's in bad weather. But in reality, any rifle needs to be thoroughly cleaned an oiled inside and out, even if it's hard chrome or stainless.
I love the marlin dark 45-70, but the price point I could have a custom built at mad pig, this gun is $2300 from the factory
This gun is $1400 from the factory. Dealers are ripping people off and charging ridiculous prices.
@@buildhuntxplore I just looked on gun broker, it’s crazy how much they are asking, and the marlin web site says $1100,
Curious to know. Is the Marlin 1895 Dark, model 70455 pre-Ruger? Or is this part of new Ruger Dark Series.
This rifle is the new Ruger made. The one with black wood furniture was made by Remington.
Thanks for the reply.
😒🙄 Great...I now have a new obsession. I'm blaming you and Ruger/Marlin when my wife asks.
🤣🤣🤣
I feel like they missed the mark with that stock though. Other than that it’s pretty slick! Throwing my factory trapper stock on this thing would look 👌
I do like that Trapper stock!!
Is it worth have a SBL and a Dark?
It really depends on your ultimate needs, wants, and budget. I like having the variety, but if I could only have one it would be either a Trapper or a Dark. I like the short and handy nature of them.
Unfortunately they are getting price gouged.
How do you get one ? I even called marlin and they said they don’t know when they’ll be restocked.
Right now GB is your only hope and they are getting 2x msrp or more.
Oohhh 44 mag I hope 🤞 sign me up
Next year I believe 👍
Now just needs detachable box mags and a folding stock. Maybe Browning will make a BLR with an M Lock fore end.
I'm sure someone will tackle those eventually. The folding stock is tricky because of it interfaces with the rifle and how the hammer/strut work. You would only be folding a small portion of the stock.
Nice. Probably on back order forever LOL.
lol thanks
Very well done review. You earned a subscribe
Thank you!!
@@buildhuntxplore i appreciate that you read the comments!
I try my best. It’s hard to keep up, but I do all I can.
@@buildhuntxplore That is a great sign because it means people are watching and learning
Thanks! Hopefully so.
Nice looking lever action. I just can't afford to feed it.
I really hope the costs come down some, but I know they won’t. It definitely hurts whenever I think about how much 5 shots cost.
Is this a Ruger or Remington made rifle?
Ruger made. Brand spanking new 👍😁
I hate the tacticool lever guns. Although I understand blue state hostages need a trinket collection device
It’s a sad world we’re in these days.
Adjustable lop?
Negative
Oh wow, just wow.
Yep