Author Topic: Just had to have this 1894 SS LTD. But what can you tell me about it? (Read 3466 times)

.375 Hawk · « **on:** August 30, 2009, 01:23:20 PM »

Over the weekend I went to the Agusta, Maine Gun show and saw this 1894 .45 Colt. The stainless short rifle has a 16.25" barrel and laminated gray stocks. On the left side of the barrel it has *** MODEL 1894SS45-LTD-Cal.45 Colt***.The rifle is used in about 98%+ condition with no box or papers. The rifle looks like it may have been shot 40-50 times with not a mark on it. Also the rifle has good quality fiber optic sights. Can't find much info on this rifle or what they are worth. I have $525. in it. I really like it, but it may have been too much $$$$.
I just test fired 2 rounds,300gr. Speer PSP over H110 32,000 CUP level, and they went right through a Spruce 12"x12" blocking at about 50'.

Thanks for your help, Eddie

Goat · « **Reply #1 on:** September 13, 2009, 12:11:37 PM »

I really like the look of those SS LTD guns! I think you got a real decent price on it too. You could likely get a response about when made and how many made on Marlinowners.com
Goat

Big Al in Nebr · « **Reply #2 on:** September 14, 2009, 09:40:37 AM »

Eddie, that's a beauty! I wouldn't worry about paying too much, if you like it and can afford it, it was a good buy. I always seem to kick myself for not buying guns that I really liked, so enjoy!

.375 Hawk · « **Reply #3 on:** September 14, 2009, 11:17:08 AM »

Thanks Goat and Big Al, I have done a little research on this type of 1894. Also I talked with a retired Marlin employee of over 30 years. It seems that Marlin only made 251 of the Stainless Steel .45 Colt LTDs with a 16.25" barrel.
I traded a Browning B-92 in .44 Magnum in 98% shape for this rifle..... $:-\$ But with my aging eyes I have the option of using a scope on this rifle. I also like .45 Colt better than the .44 Mag, and the twist rate is 1:16" in the .45 Colt. 300gr. to 360gr. and up should not be a problem in this rifle.

Eddie

Graybeard · « **Reply #4 on:** September 14, 2009, 11:20:13 AM »

Wow I'd sure NOT have made that trade. I know it's a personal matter but for my use I'd not have traded that M92 for three such Marlins tho admit value wise I should. If ya need a scope tho for you it likely was a good deal.

.375 Hawk · « **Reply #5 on:** September 14, 2009, 11:53:31 PM »

Quote from: Graybeard on September 14, 2009, 11:20:13 AM

Wow I'd sure NOT have made that trade. I know it's a personal matter but for my use I'd not have traded that M92 for three such Marlins tho admit value wise I should. If ya need a scope tho for you it likely was a good deal.

Bill, I struggled with the idea of this trade

$:-\$ ....John Browning's receiver design for the model 1886 and 1892, IMHO, is the best looking and functioning levergun ever produced bar none. On the other hand I still have a B-92 & a Browning 1886 rifle in the safe.

Miroku sure did a fine job of building The Winchester replicas.

Eddie

olesj · « **Reply #6 on:** October 09, 2009, 03:36:23 PM »

Anyone know where I could find one of those?

Love the looks of that levergun.

Jason

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #7 on:** October 11, 2009, 04:38:00 PM »

If they are that limited, I'd say you got a slammin' deal. Should be able to make some bucks if you ever sell it. It is a fine looking firearm. DP

35Rem · « **Reply #8 on:** October 13, 2009, 10:50:57 AM »

Seems like these LTD's sell around $1000 on gunbroker, when they show up. They made 357, 41, 44 mags, and the 45 Colt.

Sweetwater · « **Reply #9 on:** October 13, 2009, 07:32:06 PM »

Appears you got a keeper!! Happy shooting!!

Got my first "gun show purchase" at the Bangor Gun Show back in '82. At the time, only dealers could buy guns at the show (or anyone with an FFL). The Old Town Trading Post was my hangout back then and they willingly purchased it for me and made the transfer at their store the same evening after the show. Lots of changes since then. Time marches on.

Regards,
Sweetwater

achildofthesky · « **Reply #10 on:** December 20, 2009, 08:38:10 AM »

35Rem has it right. You got a great deal at $525. Easily salable on GB and others for near or over $1k.

I owned 3 of the 4 rifle set a while back and shot only the 357. Very fun but wwhen I listed it just for fun on an auction site it went for $1670+! Down the road it went. While both the 44 and 45LC versions sold for quite a bit more than I had in them I do wish I wasn't in the situation of needing to sell the 44. I may end up chopping my present 1894ss as the handling to me was spot on.

Be safe
Patty

cwlongshot · « **Reply #11 on:** December 20, 2009, 11:19:10 PM »

I have a blued 45COLT LTD and LOVE IT!! I snatched it when new as soon as I saw one, VERY glad I did!!

CW

AkRay · « **Reply #12 on:** December 21, 2009, 11:19:23 AM »

I saw one of these stainless 1894s in 357 at a yard sale for $650.00, which I thought was outrageous. Maybe I should have bought it. This past fall I saw another stainless Marlin in 44 magnum for $400.00. I liked that one, but didn't have enough money so that one got away too.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #13 on:** December 22, 2009, 12:16:58 PM »

That's a desirable rifle in its own rite!!

CW

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #14 on:** December 22, 2009, 01:04:15 PM »

375Hawk -

The Marlin is a great rifle but I'l never trade my .44 Mag Browning B92...

Icy Straits · « **Reply #15 on:** January 11, 2010, 11:40:09 AM »

That is one of a custom run of Marlins made for Davidson's. When they came out you could buy a set with matching serial #- in three models and six calibers- 1894 in 357, 41 mag, 44 mag and 45 colt, 336 in 30-30 and 1895 in 45/70. All had laminated stocks and 16.25" barrels with fiber sights. I have a 357 and 41 mag out of a complete set, couldn't swing the cost of the whole set and you got it for the right price-I have seen them sell for 900 in the last year.

Icy Straits · « **Reply #16 on:** January 11, 2010, 11:45:14 AM »

Also the 1894's there were 500 of the 357 and 44 mags made and just 250 of the 45 colts and 41 mags made.

Swampman · « **Reply #17 on:** January 11, 2010, 12:56:13 PM »

I've owned and shot a Browning B-92 & a Browning 1886 clone. They are ok but for actual use I'd rather have a Marlin. I think you did ok. Without a scope a rifle may as well be a club. The Marlins are easy to scope.

brianscott12 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 12, 2010, 03:09:58 PM »

Quote from: Swampman on January 11, 2010, 12:56:13 PM

Without a scope a rifle may as well be a club.

You gotta be jokin.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #19 on:** January 12, 2010, 03:30:50 PM »

Quote from: brianscott12 link=topic=181605.msg 1098995293#msg 1098995293 date=1263348598

Quote from: Swampman link=topic=181605.msg 1098994223#msg 1098994223 date=1263254173
Without a scope a rifle may as well be a club.
You gotta be jokin.

When you cannot see very well, I would tend to agree.

I still have relatively "young" eyes @ 43. So I still prefer peeps on my levers... BUT, I do have two now with scopes.

NEVER would have had that just four or five years ago.

CW

Sweetwater · « **Reply #20 on:** January 12, 2010, 03:32:08 PM »

Quote from: brianscott12 on January 12, 2010, 03:09:58 PM

Quote from: Swampman on January 11, 2010, 12:56:13 PM
Without a scope a rifle may as well be a club.
You gotta be jokin.

CW- you beat me to it, again!! But I'll keep my post, just the same - LOL!

It has to be realized that everyone can't see as well as they used to, and that some never learned to use open sights correctly. Thus, the necessity for a scope to get "beyond club range". Doesn't have a thing to do with the limitations of the rifle, just opens up another avenue to enjoy them.

My dad was the same way, for the same reason. He was critical of shot placement, and wanted to shoot further, more accurately. After I scoped my Marlin 41Mag, I couldn't hardly get it away from him. Before, he wanted no part of it.

It's all about being able to see. I don't see as well as I did when I was 45, and I don't look forward to not being able to see well enough to shoot without a scope. But it's coming...

Regards,
Sweetwater

Swampman · « **Reply #21 on:** January 12, 2010, 03:39:16 PM »

I've fired hundreds of thousands of rounds with peeps & regular open sights. I can still use both pretty well. I just don't feel I can get perfect shot placement without a scope. I owe it to the animal.

Sweetwater · « **Reply #22 on:** January 12, 2010, 03:45:04 PM »

Quote from: Swampman on January 12, 2010, 03:39:16 PM

I've fired hundreds of thousands of rounds with peeps & regular open sights. I can still use bout pretty well. I just don't feel I can get perfect shot placement without a scope. I owe it to the animal.

Well stated and to the point! AMEN!!

Regards,
Sweetwater