Posted 3 years ago
Steve1982
(6 items)
This was my late father's rifle. He bought it at an antique sale years ago. It's a Marlin 1893 30-30. We believe that it is pre- 1900 but we're not completely sure. The serial numbers for these rifles are hard to date. The rifle is in beautiful condition and still has It's original bluing on the barrel. Any info on this would be great.
Wow that is a stunning rifle! I had to read a couple forums on the Marlin 93...they had a lot info on the dating of your rifle and all the confusion. I am informed now but but also feel very perplexed over how to date this beauty accurately. Lol! Awesome piece of military history!
Thanks for the reply. I didn't want to put a picture of the serial number, but it starts with "A."
Where is the serial number located and how many digits?
A lot of the confusion was from a book published in 1989. A lot more information is now known.
Model 1893 was discontinued about 1920 in favor of Model '93. So for now, 1903-1920. Then we look..A with 4 serial numbers..guns made during the war will have the letter A, B, C or D prefix, and the serial number will be located up by the forearm..so after 1916.
Now...this is just my opinion. We need to consult the real experts. There's a guy on the Marlin forum that has compiled a serial number database. Join and post and let the old guys argue about it.
https://www.marlinowners.com
You can try this and see what you get..although it may not be accurate. But a start....
https://oldguns.net/sn_php/marlinlookup.php
Here's a few I have..actually have double this now. My Marlins are newer...1948 on..
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/291991-1948-marlin-336a-and-336rc-lever-action-ri
Here's one of my mystery Marlins. So far has stumped the experts.
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/295793-mystery-1960-marlin-336-lever-action-rif
And here's some good reading on my above information. Keep in mind this info is a few years old, more knowledge has probably been gained since. Explains why the book may be incorrect..
https://marlin-collectors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27150
Well I did see some newer information saying the a,b,c,d serials started around 1912-13. So may be earlier than I first thought.
Thanks for the info. I put the serial number through that search bar in the past and it showed pre 1890s so I know it couldn't be accurate since it's a 1893. It has a second serial number under the buttstock plate that is different from the one near the trigger.
Then it may be parts from different rifles. Best bet is goto the marlin forum and ask. It's free..lots of very knowledgeable people there.