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Marlin Model 1889

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|Introduction | I. History of Marlin Rifles | II. 1889 Models |  III. 1889 Variations |
| IV. Outline of Features | V. Condition  | VI. Diagrams |

Which Model-Configuration of 1889 Rifle do You Have?

Step 1: Determine the Model of firearm

There are four Model Configurations with several variations of those models.  The standard "Production Model"1889 rifle was a lever action and had a walnut stock, with either a shotgun-type, carbine-type or crescent butt-plate.  Deluxe varieties have checkered forearms and stocks, and may have a pistol grip and/or other added features, as many different options were available directly from the Marlin factory. 

Barrel length is the major criteria that will be used to differentiate among the 4 different Model Configurations of the 1889 Marlin.  Barrel length is measured from the end of the barrel tip (below the front sight), to the end of the barrel threads (beyond where the barrel inserts into the receiver in the middle of the gun).  In the 1889 Marlin, you can measure from the top of the receiver from where the bolt opening ends, to the barrel tip, to get an accurate overall barrel length.  As an example, in the Carbine which has a 20" barrel, the measurement from the barrel tip to the receiver front is only 19 1/4 ".  In order to add the distance of the barrel threads, you need to keep measuring into the receiver until you reach the end of the threads at the bolt/receiver opening (see where arrow points to in picture below).  This will give you the correct barrel length measurement.

Use the following Key to determine which model (configuration) of gun you have.  Start at "a" and then select one of the "a" choices.  Follow the STEPS through the key to determine your rifle type.  Then confirm with the overall descriptions and variations.  These guns were very popular and some have gone through many hands.  Each owner had an opportunity to modify the gun, add parts, change parts, and remove features.  Be alert for such modifications, and remember that any modification from the original probably decreases value.

If you need help determining names used for the parts of your gun, examine the Parts Diagram by Clicking Here.

Easy Key:

a. My gun is a lever action with a barrel that is EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN 20" in length .  ---  Go to section b

a. My gun is a lever action with a barrel LESS THAN 20" LONG.  You have a  Short Carbine.  The barrel  15"  in length.  The gun is blued, has a plain walnut stock and a carbine style butt-plate.  There were only 367 of these marlin guns produced, so be careful that your barrel was not shortened after leaving the factory!

 Go to STEP 2

b. My gun has a barrel that GREATER THAN 20" long ---  Go to section c

Marlin 1889 with barrel over 20" in length

b. My gun is a lever action with a barrel THAT IS  20" long.  You have a  Marlin 1889 Carbine.  The barrel will be round (rarely octagon), the stock plain walnut, and the butt-plate will be carbine style (see picture below).  The forearm is also plain walnut, uncapped, and with a single barrel band.  The gun is blued, and fitted with a saddle ring on the left receiver side. 

 Go to STEP 2

c. My gun has a 30" barrel, plain walnut full-length stock.  You have a Marlin 1889 Musket.   Only 68 of the guns were ever made!

 Go to STEP 2

c.  My gun has a 24" to 30"barrel that is either octagon, half-octagon or round. The stock and forearm are checkered and capped.  The walnut stock can either have a straight grip or pistol grip. The butt plate is metal and crescent shaped.   You have a  Marlin 1889 Production Rifle. 

Continue to Step 2 and the Variations of Models

|Introduction | I. History of Marlin Rifles | II. 1889 Models |  III. 1889 Variations |
| IV. Outline of Features | V. Condition  | VI. Diagrams |