Became part of the Marlin family today. Stopped in a shop today just window shopping. They had a nice family collection of lever guns on consignment. Ended up buying a 1989 1894S in 44 Mag with a Williams receiver peep sight for $799. It appears to be an unfired safe queen with the nicest grain stock I've ever seen on a Marlin. It even included a nice padded soft gun case. Does anyone know what the "S" means? It's blued so I know it doesn't mean stainless. I suspect it's worth a bit more than I paid....

I believe the S is for safety. Around 1984 on the 94's got the cross bolt safety. And yes in today's market you gun is worth more than you paid.

Yes indeed, "S" = "Safety." Good deal for certain.

L.W.

You are gonna love it. Wife bought me one back in 1994.

At the price you did very well.
They are just fun guns to shoot. 44 mag is easy to reload and does a good job on deer, up close. Mine likes the Hornady 200 XTP JHP driven by a full charge of W296. Groups run the same as the 240 grain, but I like the higher speed and expansion of the 200 grain.

I've owned 2 in the past. Bores on the 1894 are oversize and neither of mine would shoot jacketed bullets worth a crap. MUCH happier with my 45-70 and 444.

My experience has been much better accuracy wise with my 1894S 41mag and 1894 44mag.

Got the 41 new in '84 and it still likes 210gr XTPs at over 1700 fps with H110 or LilGun.

Nosler 240s do well with similar loads in the 44.

1000 fps lead loads and 1500 fps plated bullets do well in both too.

The one that's a battle is the 25-20, but just because of the cavernous chamber.