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EXCEPTIONAL MARLIN MODEL 1888 IN .38-40 CALIBER WITH SPECIAL ORDER EXTRA LONG 28” OCTAGON BARREL Guns International #: 101282475 Seller's Inventory #: Category: Marlin Rifles - Antique - Antique Rifles - Cartridge Seller's Information When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com Seller: goodmanguns Company: William T. Goodman Member Since: 10/16/15 First Name: William Last Name: Goodman State: Montana Zip: 59715 Country: United States Phone: (406) 587-3131 Platinum Seller Number of Active Listings: 70 Total Number of Listings: 4093 Seller: FFL Dealer Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns. Payment Types Accepted: checks, cashiers/bank check, money order Description:  ONE OF THE RAREST MARLINS I’VE OFFERED: MODEL 1888 TOP EJECT IN .38-40 CALIBER WITH SPECIAL ORDER EXTRA LONG 28” OCTAGON BARREL (4 INCHES LONGER THAN STANDARD)!  To put the rarity of this rifle in perspective, there were only a total of  4,814 Model 1888 rifles made from 1888-1889. Of these 1,776 were made in .38-40 (the other two calibers were .32-20 and .44-40). And of all the rifles made just 198 had 28” barrels! In my experience, it seems most extra long barrels were produced for the smaller calibers like .32-20. So, even assuming the 198 rifles with 28” barrels were split evenly between the three calibers offered, that would mean that 66 rifles were made in .38-40 for about a year from 1888-1889! Also, in my experience, it seems the Model 1888 was typically used hard on the frontier and most examples that have survived until today are in rough, often abused condition. Clearly, it is one of the most difficult Marlin models to find today. Aside from the incredibly rare configuration of this one, the condition is much better than normally encountered. It retains most of the blue on the barrel and magazine with only light ageing and a little plum mixing on the magazine tube. Markings are all excellent and the receiver shows some good blue in all the protected areas plus on the rear third of the right side panel. The left panel shows good blue in the very rear section with fine blue on the loading gate and some good aged blue in the fluted receiver top/bolt. Fine screws, fine action with only the half-cock weak, original buckhorn rear sight with small blade front sight. Generally excellent butt stock and forearm showing only the lightest of handling. And, best of all is the bore is excellent with sharp rifling all the way through and no pitting! Serial number on this rifle is 22XXX indicating a manufacture date of 1889. This is an exceptionally rare Marlin in particularly fine condition! SOLD Antique: Yes Manufacturer: MARLIN Model: 1888 SPECIAL ORDER EXTRA LONG BARREL RIFLE Serial Number: 22XXX Caliber Info: .38-40 Condition: FINE+ Barrels: 28" OCT.