Like most here, I have always loved westerns and appreciated the handling characteristics of a lever. I picked up a new 1894 in 44 Mag. for Christmas. Like all new factory guns, it needed some tweaking to get it where I like it, but it gives a tinkerer like me something to do when it is nasty outside. Honestly, the wood finish was nasty and the forearm had way too much wood. I think Marlin must use candle wax to finish these things. The metal finish is okay, and the checkering was full of buggers. The action slicked up pretty well after some polishing, and I added a set of Skinner sights. I now have a great, lightweight, shtf/truck rifle. I hollow out the buttstock and it weighs just over 6 lbs empty. Fully loaded with 10 round, it weighs just under 7 lbs. Really, this little thing packs quite a bit of punch into a handy package. I think I am going to like it; just need to go south and shoot some hogs with this thing!

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Nice!

Fine job ! I am bettin it wont be your last Marlin now that you have been bitten.

An absolutely fine job, you have talent. One would think you are trying to drum up business.

doc

Thanks guys. Marlin does make a nice rifle. I wish I would have taken the wood a little darker with the stain, but I'm pretty happy with how it came out.

I refinished an 1895CB. Stock had an orangish streak that the original finish completely obscured. After final sanding to 400 grit, I rubbed in some Bone Black, lightly rubbed with 0000 steel wool and finished with Chem Pak Custom Oil Aerosol. Bone black in the pores really brings out the grain.
Nathan

Looks good, I have the same in 357 but kinda wish id got the 44 .Still with a 2/7 Burris. it shoots a 120 at 2200 fps and is a magic little gun .got a fox last winter at 160 yards, which i was pretty happy with.Also good when you get onto a mob of pigs round a billabong (waterhole)have fun.

Well you could always let that little 357 go in trade for a 44. Never know, someone might have one sitting in their safe right now.