After being purchased by Ruger in 2020, the regular introduction of new lever-action rifles every few months by Marlin has been a nice constant. For this April 2024, the latest newcomers are one new model of the Dark Series and one model of the SBL Series: namely, the Marlin Dark Series Model 336 in .30-30 Win. and the SBL Series Model 1894 in .44 Rem.Mag. Both models feature long Picatinny rails for mounting purposes on the top of the action, but apart from that the two rifles couldn't be more different aesthetically.
Marlin Dark Series Model 336
With a “tacticool” and aggressive black look, the Marlin Dark Series Model 336 features a nylon-reinforced polymer stock with M-LOK attachment slots, flush cup sockets for QD sling swivels and a cheek riser. The anodized aluminum handguard also comes with M-LOK and QD attachment capability. Receiver, lever and trigger guard plate are CNC machined from alloy steel. The 16.17"/41 cm long barrel is cold hammer-forged and 5/8"-24 threaded, with a factory-installed radial muzzle brake. Major components feature a Graphite Black Cerakote finish, while bolt and lever are nitride finished. The tubular magazine holds five rounds. The rifle comes with fiber optic front sight with a tritium ring for improved visibility in low light conditions. Safeties include a push-button, cross-bolt manual safety and the traditional half-cock hammer.
Suggested retail price is $1,429 and the chambering for this version of the Model 336 is .30-30 Win. But the Dark Series also includes the Dark Series Model 1895 in .45-70 Govt., while a Dark Series Model 1894 model in .44 Rem.Mag./.44 Special is expected in the next few weeks.
SBL Series Model 1894
The .44 Rem.Mag. SBL Series Model 1894 has a more classic appearance thanks to its polished stainless finish and laminate stock/forend with sharp checkering for an excellent grip. The top Picatinny rail and threaded barrel are present here too. Receiver, lever and trigger guard plate are CNC machined from 416 stainless steel forgings. The lever loop is oversized for easy of operation even when wearing heavy gloves. The 16.1"/40.9 cm long cold hammer-forged barrel is made of 410 stainless steel, threaded (5/8"-24 pattern) and with factory-installed thread protector. Just like the Dark Series Model 336, fiber optic front sight with a tritium ring are part of the package. The tubular magazine has a capacity of 8 rounds in .44 Rem Mag or 9 rounds of .44 Special ammunition. A soft-rubber buttpad and a the push-button, cross-bolt manual safety plus traditional half-cock hammer complete the feature list. The SBL Series Model 1894 comes with sling swivel studs and an offset hammer spur. MSRP in the U.S. is $1,529.
