Marlin 1894 Carbine .357 Magnum (1971 mfg JM-STAMPED)

The Marlin 1894 in .357 Magnum is one of the most popular and beloved lever-action carbines ever made. Here's a detailed rundown of the classic version (pre-2009 Remington-era Marlins, often called "JM-stamped" because of the JM proof mark from the original Marlin factory in North Haven, CT):

Key Specifications (classic Marlin 1894C - "Cowboy" or standard carbine)

Caliber: .357 Magnum (also safely shoots .38 Special and .38 Special +P)

Action: Lever-action with side ejection

Barrel length: 20" (1894C) or 18.5" on some variants

Overall length: ~37.5"

Magazine capacity: 10 rounds (.357 Mag) or 11 rounds (.38 Special) in the tubular magazine

Weight: ≈6–6.5 lbs

Sights: Adjustable semi-buckhorn rear, brass bead or ramp front (many owners add receiver sights or scopes)

Stock: American walnut (straight grip on older models, pistol grip on some limited editions)

Finish: Deep blued metal, case-hardened receiver on some Cowboy models

Twist rate: 1:16" (excellent with 158–180 gr bullets; also handles lighter .38s very well)

Why the Marlin 1894 in .357 is so loved

Perfect revolver-rifle combo: Pairs ideally with .357 Magnum revolvers (Ruger Blackhawk, S&W 686, Colt Python, etc.). You can carry one caliber/ammo for both guns.

Very low recoil with .38 Special, making it extremely fun and easy to shoot fast and accurately.

Compact and handy: 20" barrel + lever action makes it quick-handling in brush or on horseback.

Incredibly accurate for a lever gun — 1–2 MOA is common with good ammo and peep sights.

Reliable feeding with both .357 Mag and .38 Special (unlike some .44 Mag 1894s that can be finicky with shorter cartridges).

Pre-Remington ("JM" Marlins) vs. Remington/Ruger-era ("RemLin" and later Ruger "Marlin")

1980s–2009 JM-stamped Marlins are generally considered the gold standard — superb fit, finish, and smooth actions.

This carbine is fitted with the 18.5" barrel!

Ships Free to the FFL of your choice!