Dark is back – No, we are not talking about the late 1970's and 1980s post-punk music and fashion wave: this time it's Ruger that's is re-releasing an updated version of Marlin's Dark Series lever-action rifles, already introduced when Marlin was still owned by Remington, and just before the latter went bankrupt and ceased production of all Marlin rifles. When Ruger acquired Marlin three years ago, they announced: “The Marlin brand and its great products will live on”. And here we are, with the Dark Series bringing a modern look to the classic Marlin rifle, starting with the Model 1895 in .45-70 Govt. caliber.
Marlin Dark Series Model 1895: other Dark Series rifles announced
The most eye-catching feature is, of course, the all-black look. This includes a nylon-reinforced polymer stock and an anodized aluminum handguard, both with plenty of M-LOK attachment slots for the mounting of accessories. The alloy steel receiver is satin black finished, too.
The stock features a thick recoil pad for effective recoil absorption and a cheek riser for an optimum sight picture when using an optic. To this end, a Picatinny rail provides a stable mounting surface for scope rings and a variety of optics.
Mechanical sights, on the other hand, consist in a fiber optic front sight with a tritium ring – for improved visibility in low light conditions – and an adjustable ghost ring rear sight. Capacity of the Dark Series Model 1895 in 45-70 Govt is 5+1 rounds.
The 16.17"/410 mm long barrel is threaded and comes with a factory-installed radial muzzle brake. The 11/16"-24 11/16"-24 threading pattern also allows you to mount other barrel accessories (thread protector is included).
The latest Ruger-Marlin lever-action rifle is priced at $1,379 in the U.S. For the time being, Ruger is offering the Dark Series Model 1895 in .45-70 Govt. only, but the Dark Series Model 336 in 30-30 Winchester and Model 1894 in.44 Remington Magnum / .44 Special are already announced and should be available in early 2024.
Marlin Dark Series Model 1895 specs and price
| Caliber: | .45-70 Government |
| Barrel Length: | 16.17"/410 mm |
| Overall Length: | 35.50" |
| Length of Pull: | 13.50" |
| Capacity: | 5+1 |
| Stock: | Nylon reinforced polymer |
| Finish: | Satin black |
| Sights: | Fiber optic front with tritium ring, adjustable ghost
ring rear |
| Weight: | 7 lb. |
| Price (MSRP in the U.S.): | $1,379.00 |
