Marlin Rifles

Former Colt employee John Marlin opened up shop in 1870 to produce a line of revolvers and derringers. While his handguns were fine weapons, it was his lever-action rifles that drew the most praise.

The Marlin models 1891 and 1893 were extremely popular due to their simpler mechanism compared to the Winchester 1894, its direct competitor. The 1891 and 1893 are still produced today as the Model 39 and Model 336.

In 1953, Marlin patented the microgroove system of rifling. The microgroove system is simpler and easier to produce than standard Ballard-style rifling. The microgroove system provided greater accuracy, easier cleaning, higher velocities, and lower chamber pressures. Marlin is now owned by Remington and continues to produce high-quality rifles. Marlin produces center and rimfire lever-action rifles as well as semi automatic and bolt-action centerfire rifles.

Quick Facts

• The Marlin 336 and 39 are the oldest shoulder-fired rifles still in production by the company that designed them
• Marlin was one of the largest suppliers of machine guns for the United States Government in World War I
• Sharpshooter Annie Oakley preferred the Marlin Model 39 in her trick shooting exhibitions