Dating a rifle (age not relationship)

[cherokee75]

Need help dating my 1895G .45-70?  What part of the serial number will someone need to date it?

[Siskiyou]

First two numbers of the serial number should be the year of manufacture.

[Big Al in Nebr]

Dang Cherokee!  You took all the fun out of my response!

[mcwoodduck]

Thanks,
That was going to be my question today to see if I can shoot the 500 grain buffalo bore 1650 FPS loads someone gave me out of my lever gun.  I tend to keep ammo around for the weakest action I have and nothing more. 

[mcwoodduck]

Hey wait my 1895 serial number starts with 240553XX  No way was this one made in 1924.
Anyone know?

[Siskiyou]

My Oops, on many of the M336 the rifle will have the year, example 71 space  xxxxxxx, apparently they did not keep with the format.

sorry about that

[cherokee75]

Just picked up my used 1895G and brought it home.  If you lined this up against a new one you would not be able to tell the difference.  I would classify it as mint and the price was incredible.  The only exception is the rear sight was broke off in transit and it will be about two weeks before my new one comes in.  I do not think the first two numbers of the serial number are the year it was made.  Maybe it is a code for the year but certainly not the actual year of manufacture.

[44-40]

google marlin collectors association and ask them on their forum, they have dated some of my rifles

[Sharps-Nut]

I thought you subtracted the first two from 100 and that gave the year of man, but that would be like 1976?

[mcwoodduck]

The early to mid 70's sounds about right for mine.
Thank you.

[bigjeepman]

I thought you subtracted the first two from 100 and that gave the year of man, but that would be like 1976?

This is the correct way ...

bjm

[cherokee75]

I guess that would make mine a 2004 if you subtracted the first two numbers from 100.  I am waiting for the rear sight to shoot mine but I picked up a box of Federal 300 grain Hot Core last weekend.  I only had that and Remington 405 grains to choose from.  Oh well, I plan on buying the reloading supplies over the next few months.

[PigBoy Crabshaw]

http://armscollectors.com/sn/marlinlookup.php

[EsoxLucius]

For the Marlin 1895, the first year of manufacture, 1972, the serial number prefix will be B0, that is bee zero.
From 1973 to 2000, subtract the first two digits of the serial number from 2000 to get the date of manufacture.  From 2001 on, subtract the first two digits from 2100 to get the date of manufacture.

[marlin~man]

Here's some information that I've been able to gather over the years from MFCA members and other websites. It's a little lengthy, but I think it's great to look over. 

Marlin 101

Marlin Lever Action Centerfire Serial # Prefixes & Production Dating

Model 1881: 1881 to 1892
32-40W, 38-55B, 40-60M, 45-70Govt Barrel Rollstamp: J. M. Marlin. New Haven, Conn.,USA
Pat'd Feb.7.65. Jan.7.63 Sept.14.75. Nov.19&26.78 Jun.3.79.Dec.9.79. Nov.9.80. Reissue Nov.9.1880 Top eject, first Marlin lever action rifle. 32-40, 38-55 in a smaller framed action. Blued receiver


Short Actions:

Model 1888: 8/1888 to 10/1889*.
32W, 38W, 44W Top eject, blued receiver. 4815 made with 1298 in 32W
* Note 4 Model 1888s were built after production ended. 1890- #22133 & #25820; 1892- #20528 & #24667
4,312 manufactured with a 24"" barrel (octagon), part round/part octagon there was 23 manufactured and finally with a 24'' round barrel there was 266. The old Marlin Records only reflect what was written down in the ledgers. There are many blank serial number lines that we know guns were made, but not recorded. So actual numbers are not exact.

Model 1889: 1889 to 1895. PAT'D OCT. 11,1887. APRIL2.1889
32W, 38W, 44W (a few 25-20s near the end of production)
1st side eject, one piece firing pin, blued receiver, forward part of the lever shaped different from the 1894 with safety catch on lower tang at rear of lever.

Model 1894: 1894 to 1905. PAT'D OCT. 11,1887. APRIL2.1889. AUG. 1, 1893
25W, 32W, 38W, 44W
Went to 2-piece firing pin, different shape to the front of the lever and the lever lock on the tang was removed. Case Colored receiver. Serials start in 107,000 range

Model 94: 1905 to 1933.
25-20, 32-20, 38-40, 44-40 Some of the later Model 94s were made up from leftover musket receivers and have a notch where the sling swivel boss was ground off. These were serial numbered in front of the lower receiver, not under the lever. Also, they were all .38-40, or .44-40, as this was the bolt face used on the muskets. Most observed were equipped with round barrels.

Model 1894: 1969? to date.
218 Bee, 25-20, 32-20, 38 Special, 357 Mag, 41 Mag, 44-40, 44 Mag, and 45 Colt.
Blued Receiver


Long Action:

Model 1895: 1895 to 1915 or 16.
.38-56, .33 WCF, .40-65, .40-82, .45-90, and .45-70.
note: current manufacture Model 1895 rifles are based on the Model 336 medium action.


Medium Action:

Model 1893: 1893 to 1921 or 22. PAT'D OCT. 11,1887. APRIL2.1889. AUG. 1, 1893
25-36, 30-30, 32-40 32HPS, 38-55
Some early 1893's did not have the two piece firing pin. Serial numbers are located under the receiver just behind the forearm.
Factory records ceased in 1906. Original serial numbering quit around 450,000 approx 1913. Letter designations used on 1893 during the following period were A, B, C, & D. This goes to about the 1917 WWI period. ???A=1914, B=1915, C=1916, D=1917???
Note: some 1893s were made after WWI when production of the '93 started. These were apparently made up from left over parts. 32HPS is the same cartridge as the 32 Winchester Special. Marlin didn't want to put the name Winchester on it's rifles.

Model 93: 1921 or 22 to 1935.
30-30, 32-40, 32HPS, 38-55
Early serial numbers are located under the receiver just behind the forearm. Later numbers are on the lower tang under the lever. Serial numbers have A, C,C suffix, and L. L prefix Model 93 serial numbers were 1935 production

Model 410: 1929 to 1932 410 Gauge Originally offered as a stock purchase incentive only. During the last year of production, they were offered for sale for $32.95. Most have 26" barrels although a 22" was offered and is rarely seen.

Model 1936: 1936 to 1941.
30-30, 32 Special
The 1936 had case colored receivers & Model 1936 on upper tang.
1936 1st series production (no letter prefix serial numbers) had flat mainspring, fluted comb buttstock, perch belly forearm, hard rubber buttplate w/slotted screws. Starting in 1937, this model was listed in Marlin's Catalogs as the Model 36 and was only there referred to as the 36. The gun itself was still stamped Model 1936 until sporting arms production was discontinued in 1941. Serial numbers located on the lower tang under the lever.
B-prefix series: Changes to unfluted comb & beavertail forearm, hard rubber buttplate w/ phillips screws, upper tang was shortened and the use of coil mainsprings vice leaf mainsprings. 1941 Production.

No Letter Prefix-1936 to 1940
B-1941

No WWII Production Late 1941 to late 1945

Model 36: 1946 to 1947.
30-30, 32 Special
Model 36 is marked on the barrel, not on the tang as in the Model 1936 and earlier guns. Blued reciever. Serial numbers located on the lower tang under the lever. These are squarebolts and are not to be confused with later roundbolt Glenfield 36 (336 roundbolt action). Late 1945 production resumed on limited basis using C prefix and leftover parts (some guns will have Pre-WWII Model 1936 parts mixed with Post WWII Model 36 parts. IE: 1936 action with 36 barrel. These guns are considered Model 36s.
Post WWII production had blued receivers and Model 36 on barrel
Barrel roll stamp reads:
"The Marlin Firearms Co. New Haven Conn USA-est 1870"
Model 36 (then caliber designation)
Variations of Model #: 36-A-DL, 36-A, 36-RC C-1945 shiny blue on top of receiver
c-1946 (note: c prefix is lower case)
D-1947 sandblasted top of receiver starts
Model 36 Production supposedly ceased in 1947. However Model 336 production began in June 1948. Is a there a possiblity of some E prefix Model 36s??

Model 336: June 1948 to present.
219Zipper, 30-30, 307 Win?, 32 Special, 35 Remington, 356 Win, 38-55, 375 Win, & 44 Mag. Early serial numbers located on the lower tang under the lever. Later ones on upper tang. These serial codes also work for the 22lr leverguns as well.
C-1946
D-1947
E-1948
F-1949
G-1950
H-1951
J-1952
K-1953
L-1954
M-1955
N-1956
P-1957
R-1958
S-1959
T-1960
U-1961
V-1962
W-1963
Y-1964
Z-1964
AA-1965
AB-1966
AC-1967
AD-early 1968
68-late 1968
69-1969
70-1970
71-1971
72-1972
27-1973
26-1974
25-1975
24-1976
23-1977
22-1978
21-1979
20=1980
19-1981
18-1982
17-1983
16-1984
15-1985
14-1986
13-1987
12-1988
11-1989
10-1990
09-1991
08-1992
07-1993
06-1994
05-1995
04-1996
03-1997
02-1998
01-1999
00-2000
99-2001
98-2002
97-2003
96-2004
95-2005
94-2006


336 Zane Grey: 1972 (7871)
30/30 Win
22" Octagon barrel, crescent buttplate

336 Octagon: made in 1972 released in 73 (2414)
30/30 Win
22" Octagon barrel, standard buttplate

336LTS: 1988-89 (2671) 30/30 Win Serial Nos run LTSXXXXX. 16.25" round barrel, non-hooded front sight

336 Cowboy: 1999?-
30/30, 38/55 (30/30 dropped for 2002)
24" tapered octagon barrel, Marbles sights

336M: 2000- 30/30 Win Stainless Steel version of 336CS

336D: 2000 (1000) 35 Rem. Serial Nos 336DXXX *Not cataloged*, Special Run for Davidsons, Lettered from Marlin, uncheckered, 16.25" ported round barrel

336CC: 2001?- 30/30 Win Camouflaged stock version of 336CS

336Y "Spikehorn": 2003- 30/30 Win 16.25" round barrel, youth sized buttstock
30TK: ?
30/30
Special run for K-Mart uses standard numbering.



Marlin 444 (note all chambered for 444 Marlin)
Thanks to Ranch Dog at the Marlin Talk forum for this info

Marlin 444
Dates: 1965-71
Serial Numbers, first two digits: AA, AB, AC, AD, 69 through 71
Barrel Length: 24"
Barrel Rifling: Micro-Groove?, 12 lands
Barrel Twist: 1/38
1971: Mar-Shield finish and vented recoil pad appear.

Marlin 444 Sporter
Dates: 1972-83
Serial Numbers, first two digits: 27 descending through 17
Barrel Length: 22"
Barrel Rifling: Micro-Groove, 12 lands
Barrel Twist: 1/38
Notes:
1976: Forearm cap replaces barrel band.
1978: Honed chamber, I’m not sure of the significance of this.

Marlin 444 SS
Dates: 1984-98
Serial Numbers, first two digits: 16 descending through 00 (2000). Year 2001 starts 99 descending.
Barrel Length: 22"
Barrel Rifling: Micro-Groove, 12 lands
Barrel Twist: 1/38
Note: The side safety appeared with this model change.

Marlin 444 SS
Dates: 1999-2002
Serial Numbers, first two digits: 01, 00, 99, & 98
Barrel Length: 22"
Barrel Rifling: Ballard, 6 lands
Barrel Twist: 1/20

Marlin 444P (Outfitter)
Dates: 1999-2002
Serial Numbers, first two digits: 01, 00, 99, & 98
Barrel Length: 18.5"
Barrel Rifling: Ballard, 6 lands
Barrel Twist: 1/20
Note: Ported barrel

Marlin 444
Dates: 2003 - Present
Serial Numbers, first two digits: 97
Barrel Length: 22"
Barrel Rifling: Ballard, 6 lands
Barrel Twist: 1/20



1895: 1972-
45-70
Based on modified 336 action. Modern 1895 rifles from the first couple years production also have different numbering along with outsourced barrels (Douglas?)

For the "New Model" Marlin 1895 the first year of manufacture, 1972, included a B0 prefix. That is "bee" "zero". Otherwise up to 2000 subtract the first two digits from 2000 to get the year of manufacture and after 2000 subtract the first two digits from 2100 to get the year of manufacture. Submitted by Jackfish
1895SS: ?-2000
45-70
Cross Bolt Safety, 22" Barrel

1895G: 1999?-
45-70
18.5" ported barrel (ports not listed for 2002)

1895M: 2000
450 Marlin
18.5" ported barrel (ports not listed for 2002)

1895: 2001-
45-70
22" round barrel, pistol grip

1895 Cowboy: 2001-
45-70
24" tapered octagon barrel, Marbles sights

1895GS: 2001-
45-70
Stainless steel version of the 1895G

1895MR: 2003-
450 Marlin
22" barrel, pistol grip



Modern era Model 1894s

1894: 1969?-72
44 Magnum
20" round Barrel with Brass Saddle Ring and Barrel Band

1894 Octagon: 1973 (2,957) 44 Magnum
20" Octagon Barrel

1894: 1973-84 44 Magnum
New Forearm Cap and Front Sight Hood

1894 Sporter: 1973-? (1,398) 44 Magnum
22" Round Barrel, 1/2 Magazine

1894C: 1979-84 357 Magnum 18.5" Barrel with Forearm Barrel band

1894M: 1984 (12,088) 22 Magnum
20" Round Barrel, Loading tube, Cross Bolt Safety.

1894S: 1984-2000 41 Magnum (1,040), 44 Magnum
"S" added to designate Cross Bolt Safety.

1894CS: 1984-2000
357 Magnum
Cross Bolt Safety added

1894S: 1987
44 Magnum
New Soft Rubber Butt Plate introduced.

1894CS: 1988
357 Magnum
New Soft Rubber Butt Plate introduced.

1894S: 1988-91 (2,573)
41 Magnum
20" Round Barrel

1894S: 1988-91 (984)
45 Colt
20" Round Barrel

1894CL: 1989-94
218 Bee (1990-94), 25-20, 32-20
"Classic" Model, 1/2 magazine, black butt plate without white spacer

1894CL Duck's Unlimited Special Edition: 1992 (1800)
32-20
"Not cataloged"

1894CL NRA Special Edition: 1992 (100)
32-20
"Not cataloged"

1894CL NRA Special Edition: 1993 (100)
25-20
*Not cataloged*

1894CL NRA Special Edition: 1994 (350)
218 Bee
*Not cataloged*

1894S NRA Commemerative: ? (550)
44 Magnum
*Not cataloged*

1894S : 1993
44-40Win (925)
Ser #'s 444000xx
*Not cataloged*

1894S : 1993
45 Colt (875)
Ser #'s
*Not cataloged*

1894S: 1994
44 Magnum
Checkering added.

1894CS: 1994
357 Magnum
Checkering added.

1894 Century Limited: 1994 (2500)
44-40 Win
Ser #'s
100th Anniversary edition of the Model 1894. Case Colored Engraved Receiver, 24 "Octagon barrel, curved brass butt plate.

1894 Cowboy: 1995?-
45 Colt
24" tapered octagon barrel, Marbles sights.

1894S Limited: 1996 (1500)
44 Magnum
16.25" barrel roll stamped Marlin Limited

1894 Cowboy II: 1996-2000
357 Magnum, 44-40 Win (discontinued 1999), 44 Magnum
24 " tapered octagon barrel, Marbles sights.

1894SC: 1996 (1550)
44 Magnum
16.25"bl, *Not cataloged*, Special Run for Davidsons, Lettered from Marlin

1894SC: 1997 (1050)
45 Colt
16.25"bl, *Not cataloged*, Special Run for Davidsons, Lettered from Marlin

1894CCL Cowboy Carbine Limited: 1999? (1000)
41 Magnum
Ser #s 1894CCLXXXX, *Not cataloged*, Special Run for Davidsons, Lettered from Marlin, uncheckered, 20" tapered octagon barrel, rollstamped "Cowboy Limited".

1894P: 2000-2002
44 Magnum
16.25" ported barrel

1894D Cowboy Carbine Limited: 2000 (325)
44-40 Win
Serial Nos 1894DXXX*Not cataloged*, Special Run for Davidsons, Lettered from Marlin, Rollstamped "Cowboy Limited", uncheckered , 20" tapered octagon barrel

1894: 2001-2002
44 Magnum
1894S designation changed back to 1894, Cross Bolt Safety retained

1894C: 2001-
357 Magnum
1894CS designation changed back to 1894C, Cross Bolt Safety retained

1894CP: 2001- 2002
357 Magnum
16.25" ported barrel

1894 Cowboy: 2001
357 Magnum, 44 Magnum, 45 Colt.
Cowboy II designation dropped for 357 & 44.

1894IV Cowboy Carbine Limited: 2001 (1000)
45 Colt
Serial Nos 1894IVXXXX *Not cataloged*, Special Run for Davidsons, Lettered from Marlin, Rollstamped "Cowboy Limited", uncheckered , 20" tapered octagon barrel

1894SS: 2002
44 Magnum Stainless steel version of 1894

1894 Cowboy: 2002
357 Magnum, 44 Magnum, 45 Colt
Checkering discontinued on Cowboy models

1894CBC (Cowboy Competition Carbine): 2002-
38 Special
20" octagon barrel, case finish, tuned action

1894H: 2002-
357 Magnum, 44 Magnum, 45 Colt
*Not cataloged*, Special Run for Big Five stores. Walnut finished hardwood stock version of 1894 & 1894C. Sold as a special for $299.95.

1894PG: 2003-
44 Magnum
Pistol grip stock. Straight grip standard 1894 in 44 Mag no longer listed

1894FG: 2003-
41 Magnum
Pistol grip stock.

1894CBC (Cowboy Competition Carbine): 2003-
45 Colt
20" octagon barrel, case finish, tuned action, blued bolt

1894 Cowboy: 2003
357 Magnum, 44 Magnum
Barrel length reduced from 24" to 20". 45 Colt remains 24".

1894CCL Cowboy Carbine Limited: 2004 (501)
32-20 Win
Serial Nos CCLXXXXXD *Not cataloged*, Special Run for Davidsons, Lettered from Marlin, Rollstamped "Cowboy Limited", uncheckered , 20" tapered octagon barrel


twist rates in the modern era Model 1894s:
218 Bee 1-16 twist
25-20 Win 1-14 twist
32-20 Win 1-20 twist
38 Special 1-16 twist
357 Magnum 1-16 twist
41 Magnum 1-20 twist
44-40 Win 1-38 twist
44 Magnum 1-38 twist
45 Long Colt 1-16 twist

MR7: 1996-1999
30-06, 270, 25-06 (280 added towards end of production) 243, 22-250 & 308 were all advertised in 1998 but were never produced.
Bolt Action with best features of several popular other makes of bolt action rifles.

MR-7B
30-06, 270
Birch-stocked version of the MR7

Marlin Single Barrel shotguns: 1998-99.
Special run made by NEF for Marlin and sold thru K-Mart. H&R/NEF soon afterward purchased by Marlin.

For Marlin Rimfire Rifles [non-serialized]:

From 1962 thru 1968 Marlins rimfire rifles (other than the 39 series lever actions) used a two letter date code that was stamped on the barrel. This date code is different than the one already listed, as Marlin rimfire rifles (other than the model 39 series) did not have a serial numbers until required to by Law after 1968. The first letter of the date code represented the month of manufacture while the second letter indicated the year. This date code was usually stamped on the left side of the barrel just in front of the receiver. The first letter of the date code is as follows:

A = Jan.
B = Feb.
C = Mar.
D = Apr.
E = May
F = June
G = July
H = Aug.
I = Sep.
J = Oct.
K = Nov.
L = Dec.

The second letter of the date code is as follows:

F = 1962
G = 1963
H = 1964
I = 1965
J = 1966
K = 1967
L = 1968

So a date code of "JK" would indicate that rifle was made in October of 1967.

[Keith L]

Thanks for the post Marlin Man.  I just added it to our sticky as a reference.  Now this good information won't get lost.

[Handgun Hunter]

I second that thanks Marlin Man. I was just asking a member 3 days ago what his rifles vintage was because it looked the same as my 336 35 Rem. and I've never seen one like mine at any gun show or dealer. It has a wider fore end and a cap instead of a barrel band, pistol grip and no checkering with a 3/4 magizine tube. I inherited it through my father from his father. # starts with a G, 1950.

     Thanks again, Tim.

[Ireload2]

Looks like my Western Field model 740 was made in 1964.

[marlin~man]

A long time ago I wrote an article on "Dating a Marlin" for the "Marlin Collector" I caught a lot of grief on my wording on the title, but it was worth it! I've been able to find more information on aging Marlins from the internet than ever and didn't want anyone to miss anything that I found or had access to.

ENJOY!!!