Home Forums Lever Action Central Lever Actions - General 1894S .44 Mag.

Does anyone own(or have they heard of) a Marlin 1894S .44
Mag. which was made in the '70's(?). Straight stock, 22"
barrel, button/half magazine. At that time the "S" didn't stand
for safety, it stood (I think) for Sporter. Haven't seen many,
but, would like to get one.

I had one, bought it used. Had the anniversary medal inlaid in the buttstock. That rifle gave me nothing but trouble. It jammed constantly. Whenever the lever was worked, two rounds would emerge from the mag, jam the lifter, and the lever would be jammed as well. Took it back to the 'smith where I bought it. Twice.. That darn rifle still failed to function, despite replacing springs, lifter mech., and polishing the cam on the lever. A shame.. That was a pretty rifle, and it soured me on Marlins for a long time. I currently use the Winchester 94 in .44 mag/spec. I have heard of reliability problems with it, but I have no complaints. Easy to short stroke, so pay attention, otherwise very reliable and accurate.

Sgtgeorge',Are you sure you didn't have one of the short runof 336's that were in 44 mag? they were said to have many problems such as those you speak of. I have bought many marln's and have heard of people with some problem's but every one I have used,shot ,borrowed,without exception has worked and worked well,the only exception to this is my 1893 saddle ring carbine[104 yeras old with lots of miles]which seems to jam if I work it upside down slowly and if I get to be 104 years old and someone makes me work upside down at any speed I'll probably jam up too!I don't doubt these reports I'm just alway's surprised at them.I guess Marlin's just like me',I was born out of my time also,I hate fences,borders and civilization and I like good gun's-fine horses and Tennesee whiskey[I love my wife too!]Shootrj2003

Nope! Definitely an 1894S, in .44 Mag. That exact gun is still at the 'smith's shop. He still cannot get it to function well. We laugh about it whenever I stop there. I tease him about how he will have "empty nest syndrome" whenever he finally fixes it and sells it off. This guy is a decent, accomplished gunsmith, but this rifle has him baffled.

How much would he sell it for?I enjoy a challenge for the right price! Shootrj2003