Home Forums Lever Action Central Lever Actions - General How feasible would it be to shorten a Marlin 1894?

I intend to buy another 44 mag lever action as one of my next rifles and was wondering how feasible it would be to shorten the 20 inch barrel and mag tube on a the 44 mag 1894 to around 16 inches? Obviously shortening the barrel wouldn't pose an issue but what about the mag tube etc. I love the pictures of Steelhead's .357 but the full length 1894 doesn't do much for me.

I have previously owned a Rossi 92 which I really liked but could be interested in seeing what the Marlin is all about...

You might post this in gunsmithing. Or, give Tractorshaft a PM to ask him about his, he did a good job of shortening his 336.
https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...owflat/Number/3096502/page/1#Post3096502

Thanks Jim - will do.

It shouldn't be a problem for a decent gunsmith and several intrepid folks have taken it on themselves. Velocity loss would not a big deal, IMO, as it isnt a rocket sled bullet to start with. 16 1/2" barreled lever guns are pretty handy and ride well in the hand. Take a look over at:

http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/

for MUCH more on all kinds of lever rifles and search 1894 16 barrel or cut barrel and you will likely find tons of reference material.

DRC guns does lot's of fine work on Marlins and their rates aren't bad...

http://drcguns.com/index.html

I have a 1894ss that shoots 300 XTP's great (surprisingly) and I am considering the same thing but I may go to 17 or 18"...

See if your local gunshop has a 336 SDT (16 1/2 30-30 in stainless with a straight grip stock) or a 1895 GS (a 45-70 with an 18" barrel in stainless) to get a relative feel for shorter barreled leverguns. BTW, the 1894 action is 1" shorter than either the 1895 or 336. Caution though. Leverguns are addictive and a HELL of a lot of fun to shoot.

Patty

I've got two lever guns that I've had shortened. First was a Marlin 1895 XLR in 45-70 had it cut back to 17". Since it had a short magazine, just the barrel had to be cut, then D&T'd for the front sight. Cost me $75. Next was a NavyArms 92 in .45 Colt. Had it cut back to 16". The magazine had to be cut back also. Cost was $125. BOTH are great handling guns! And, YES I would do it again, exactly the same!
Virgil B.

I've chopped 3 of mine down so far, a Marlin 1895M to 16.25" a Winchester 94 to 16.5" and a Puma 92 to 16.25"
Very handy trappers! If you have the means to do it yourself I highly recommend giving it a try, if not hook up with vbshootinrange's Gun Smith sounds like a deal!

Here are the wright ups on them.

http://levergunscommunity.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=11036

http://onesticky.levergunscommunity.org/how_to/winchester_94_trapper_conversion.html

http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,18413.0.html

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Any competent gun smith should be able to cut down the barrel and magazine.

It can be done and it makes a great little rifle. I have an 1894P (44 mag. guide gun). I sent it to Wild West Guns in Alaska, had it converted to a take down model. Very handy rifle