Turnbull Marlins

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For many decades, if someone thought, utilitarian levergun, a mental image of one Marlin or another would likely have appeared in their mind. That is not criticism, it’s just how it was – but not anymore. Marlin even has a custom shop these days that produces some high-dollar custom rifles. And as will be examined shortly, Turnbull Restoration Company is offering less-expensive, gussied-up Marlin leverguns.

All of this is, in a way, returning to Marlin levergun origins. Starting with the Model 1881 and lasting until about 1915, Marlin leverguns could be ordered with a myriad of special features. Consider the Model 1893 as an example. This was the company’s version chambering rounds such as the .25-36, .30-30, .32-40, .38-55, etc. A standard straight-grip Model 1893 was stocked with straight-grain, noncheckered American walnut and a steel crescent buttplate. According to a 1896 flyer, that rifle would have cost the buyer $13.90 with a round barrel, or $15 with an octagonal barrel.