Marlin 1889 in 38-40 - The Firearms Forum

MPinkston · 11-21-2003, 10:07 AM

A co-worker has a Marlin in 38-40. I believe it is a model 1889. It has a 24" octogonal bbl, no checkering on the wood, straight stock. S/N 1081XX. Top of bbl says "38 W". I'm guessing the condition to be very good to fine. Any thoughts on its rarity and value? Thanks.

Mark

CountryGunsmith · 11-21-2003, 08:56 PM

Sorry for the delay, been a tad busy...

The Marlin 1889 was Marlin's first solid-top side-ejection rifle and is relatively scarce as only about 55000 were made in the 10 years of production. You are right in that '38 W' would stand for .38 Winchester or .38-40 WCF.

Unfortunately, this is one of those areas were a generalization like 'fine' (even though it's an official NRA grade) just wont cut it. These rifles fluctuate from around $400 to well over $1000 based just on the amount of casehardening left on the receiver, much less any special order features. The 24" barrel was standard, however. That's a 'hands-on' evaluation rifle, or at least several close up well-detailed pictures, to even get in a suitable ballpark.

That said, these are heavily collected and are a SOLID investment provided the original condition is high and the gun is well cared for.

45Smashemflat · 11-25-2003, 04:02 PM

Decent article on the 1889 in last mo's G&A.....

11-21-2003, 10:07 AM	#1
MPinkston V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: West Tennessee Posts: 73	Marlin 1889 in 38-40 A co-worker has a Marlin in 38-40. I believe it is a model 1889. It has a 24" octogonal bbl, no checkering on the wood, straight stock. S/N 1081XX. Top of bbl says "38 W". I'm guessing the condition to be very good to fine. Any thoughts on its rarity and value? Thanks. Mark -->

11-21-2003, 08:56 PM	#2
CountryGunsmith Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Deep Piney Woods of East Texas Posts: 5,116	Sorry for the delay, been a tad busy... The Marlin 1889 was Marlin's first solid-top side-ejection rifle and is relatively scarce as only about 55000 were made in the 10 years of production. You are right in that '38 W' would stand for .38 Winchester or .38-40 WCF. Unfortunately, this is one of those areas were a generalization like 'fine' (even though it's an official NRA grade) just wont cut it. These rifles fluctuate from around $400 to well over $1000 based just on the amount of casehardening left on the receiver, much less any special order features. The 24" barrel was standard, however. That's a 'hands-on' evaluation rifle, or at least several close up well-detailed pictures, to even get in a suitable ballpark. That said, these are heavily collected and are a SOLID investment provided the original condition is high and the gun is well cared for. __________________ The autonomic nervous system provides for involuntary muscle function - the work of breathing, digestion, and so forth. On some folks, that's a pure waste of ingenuity.

11-25-2003, 04:02 PM	#3
45Smashemflat Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,494	Decent article on the 1889 in last mo's G&A.....