MARLIN 1881

Overview

The Marlin Model 1881 was the first lever-action repeating rifle produced by the Marlin Firearms Company. Manufactured from 1881 to 1891 with an estimated total production of roughly 20,500 to 21,000 units, this historic rifle was highly regarded for its smooth action, exceptional build quality, and robust design. It famously set off a ballistic "horsepower race," because it was the first commercially successful lever-action rifle strong enough to handle heavy big-bore cartridges like the .45-70 Government-forcing competitor Winchester to develop the Model 1886 in response.Technical Specifications & DesignAction Type: Lever-action, side-loading, top-ejecting tubular magazine repeater. The bolt features an integrated sliding dust cover.Standard Barrel lengths: Typically found with 28-inch full octagon barrels, though standard factory lengths ranged from 24 to 30 inches.Magazine Capacity: Under-barrel tubular magazine holding 8 to 10 rounds, depending on barrel length and caliber.Standard Finishes: High-polish blued receiver, barrel, and magazine tube, contrasted with a color case-hardened lever, hammer, trigger, and buttplate.Furniture: Two-piece straight-grain walnut stock with a steel forend nose cap and a curved "shotgun" or crescent buttplate. Deluxe configurations featured hand-checkered fancy thin-shell walnut.Calibers and RarityJohn Marlin and designer Andrew Burgess originally introduced the rifle in heavy hunting calibers, but later expanded the lineup to include popular target and mid-range cartridges:.45-70 Government (.45 Government): Highly popular for large game and buffalo hunting; approx. 4,769 produced. .40-60 Marlin / Winchester: The most common chambering with 6,261 units produced..38-55 WCF: Highly sought-after target caliber; 3,563 produced..32-40 Caliber: Very rare variant; only 1,785 produced..45-85 Marlin: Rare heavy-hitting express cartridge.Known Variations & Collector NotesFirst Variation (Rebated Receiver): The earliest 300 (or fewer) rifles produced featured a distinct "rebated" or undercut receiver ring right behind the forearm. These are incredibly rare and command premium prices.Lightweight Model: A scarcer sub-variation built with a thinner barrel (under 3/4-inch across) and a narrower lever for easier carrying in the field.Early Branding: The earliest production guns did not stamp "Model 1881" on the frame; they were originally marketed and stamped simply as the "Marlin Repeating Rifle"This is a 1st year production Rifle. This is the .40-60As is in photos shown