Joe at RealGuns has done a couple of reviews on 1895's from Marlin and Remington - very insightful. Basically the ones coming off the line now are very good.
There was a time when Marlin was going under, the operation sold, and everything moved, that the 1895's were pretty poor (looked like something from China).
I have a Stainless Guide gun from around 2000. Other than a generous bore (only likes .460" diameter cast), it has been flawless - by far my favorite packing rifle for Elk.
