Home Forums Lever Action Central Big Bore Levers Marlin 1895 XLR v 1895 'non-XLR'

First off, I'll admit I'm not a centerfire lever gun guy. However, I do own a Marlin 39A Mountie rimfire.

For whatever reason I have a yearning for a 45/70 - lever gun, maybe a double rifle. Marlin seems to be about the only available and reasonably priced lever gun choice. In my research I've seen several references to the Marlin 1895 XLR and/or MXLR.

Can anyone explain the difference between the 'standard' 1895 and the XLR/MXLR versions? Is the premium paid for the XLR versions worth it?

Are XLRs pre-Remington guns?

xlr is stainless with laminated stocks and 24" barrel. standard is blued, walnut stocks, 22" barrel.

The "M" designation means it's chambered for the 450 Marlin. The Marlin rifles are stamped JM on the barrel just in front of the receiver. The Remington guns are stamped REP.