Ruger-made Marlin 1895 SBL .45-70 Govt.

The Marlin 1895 is Back! Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. has announced the Marlin 1895 SBL chambered in .45-70 Govt. The initial production and shipments of the Ruger-made Marlin lever-action are underway just after a year of acquiring the assets associated with the Marlin brand.

Ruger announced that the Ruger-made Marlin 1895 SBL rifles are now shipping. (Image: Ruger)
Marlin 1895 SBL
Ruger’s Marlin 1895 SBL chambered in .45-70 Govt. Ruger says mounting scopes and modern optics will be no trouble with this updated Picatinny rail.

“We are excited to officially flip the switch and let our customers know that Marlin is back,” said Ruger’s President and CEO, Chris Killoy. “Since the move of over 100 truckloads of equipment and inventory back in November 2020, our engineering team took the 1895 through a complete design and production review focused on achieving the highest quality, accuracy, and performance standards. The end result is a quality rifle, produced using modern manufacturing methods, that consumers will be sure to enjoy and proud to own.”

Ruger Marlin 1895 sights
The Ghost ring sight can be adjusted for windage/elevation, and tritium fiber optic front sight should be easily picked up day or night for easy target acquisition.

The Model 1895 is just the beginning of the reintroduction of the Marlin brand. Ruger wants the 1895 to illustrate how they hope improved manufacturing processes will deliver reliable, attractive firearms. Ruger intends to introduce additional Marlin models, calibers, and variations over the coming years through these processes.

spiral fluted nickel-plated bolt
Ruger says the spiral fluted nickel-plated bolt adds a distinctive, classy look and a smoother action.

“Being a long-time Marlin fan, I knew that we needed to take our time and make sure that our reintroduction was nothing short of perfect,” continued Killoy. “From the quality of the firearm to clear ways for consumers to differentiate Ruger-made Marlins, we focused on getting every detail right.”

The 1895 also has a threaded barrel with a thread protector. It has an 11/16" x 24 pattern for barrel accessories.
The 1895 also has a threaded barrel with a thread protector. It has an 11/16″ x 24 pattern for barrel accessories.

The Marlin 1895 SBL rifles made by Ruger are marked with “Mayodan, NC” bear an “RM” or Ruger-made serial number prefix. It also has the Marlin Horse and Rider logo laser engraved on the grip, and on the buttstock, it has a red and white “bullseye.”

Ruger Marlin 1895 improved stock
Ruger says the aesthetics and ergonomics are improved with a refined stock fit and thinner fore-end.

Ruger wants to release more throughout the coming year. Other variations of the Model 1895 and the reintroduction of the Model 336 and Model 1894 are said to be on the list for the Ruger-made Marlins. Ruger is planning for strong demand of the limited quantity of the Marlin lever-action and encourages retailers to reach out to distributors for availability. Ruger also advises consumers not to leave deposits with retailers that don’t have a confirmed shipment.

Specifications

  • Overall Length: 37.25″
  • Length of Pull: 13.38″
  • Barrel Length: 19″
  • Thread Pattern: 11/16″ x 24
  • Thread Cap: Match-Polished
  • Barrel: Cold Hammer-Forged Stainless Steel
  • Twist: 1:20″ RH
  • Grooves: 6
  • MSRP: $1,399.00
Radar O-Reilly
I intend to keep the 1895 on my Radar in hopes of seeing Marlin rise back into the spotlight of great lever-action firearms.