Keeping the promise to revive the renowned Marlin brand after acquiring it, every few months Ruger reintroduces some popular lever-action model: now it's the turn of the Marlin Trapper Series Model 1894 in .357 Magnum. The Trapper Series is conceived by hunting and fishing guides in Alaska and is the ideal big-bore rifle for hunting or protection from dangerous animals thanks to its short design.
Marlin Trapper Series Model 1894 in .357 Magnum, a quick-handling and soft shooting rifle
The rifle is described as “quick-handling, soft shooting, and ideal for small game, plinking and home protection”, featuring a 16.1”/409 mm, cold hammer-forged barrel with a 1:16” twist. Muzzle is 1/2”-28 threaded and comes with a match-polished, factory-installed thread protector.
Receiver is stainless steel, as well as lever, magazine tube and barrel, all with non-glare, matte finish, while all the small parts are nickel-plated. The lever loop is oversized for operation with heavy gloves.
Stock and forend are black laminate, with crisp checkering for excellent grip in all weather conditions. The buttstock has been equipped with a thick butt pad to absorb recoil and make the rifle comfortable to shoot; the forend is now slimmer. Ruger also stresses how the hallmark black and white “bullseye” found in Marlin stocks since 1922 is still there, but now in red and white.
Speaking of sights, the .357 Magnum Marlin Trapper Series Model 1894 is factory fitted with receiver-mounted adjustable Skinner Sight system, which the manufacturer ensures to be as accurate and rugged as the rifle itself: machined from solid stainless steel bar stock, it is a no snag, fully adjustable peep sight system designed for rapid target acquisition while enhancing the aesthetics of the rifle.
Safeties include a push-button, cross-bolt manual safety and traditional half-cock hammer.
In addition to .357 Magnum, the rifle can also fire .38 Special cartridges. Tubular magazine capacity is 8 rounds in .357 Magnum and 9 in .38 Special.
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price in the US is $1,499; this includes sling swivel studs and an offset hammer spur.
Marlin Trapper Series Model 1894 in .357 Magnum technical specifications and price
| Caliber: | .357 Magnum/.38 Special |
| Magazine Capacity: | 8 .357 Mag. rounds or 9 .38 Special rounds |
| Stock: | Black Laminate |
| Receiver Material: | Stainless Steel with matte finish |
| Sights: | Skinner Sights, with adjustable rear sight |
| Barrel Length: | 16.1"/409 mm |
| Muzzle Thread Pattern: | 1/2"-28 |
| Overall Length: | 33.25" |
| Length of Pull: | 340 mm |
| Weight: | 2,857 g |
| Price (MSRP in the US): | $1,499 |
