Guns International #: 103309550

Category - Marlin Rifles - Antique - Rifles - American Lever Action

Category
Marlin Rifles - Antique
Rifles - American Lever Action

SELDOM SEEN MARLIN MODEL 1888, .38-40 OCTAGON RIFLE, #22XXX, MADE 1889

Description:
SELDOM SEEN MARLIN MODEL 1888, .38-40 OCTAGON RIFLE, #22XXX, MADE 1889. Only 4,814 of this early model were made for one full year from 1888-1889 before this top eject model was replaced with the first side eject model 1889. Of these 4,814 rifles in all calibers (.32-20, .38-40 and .44-40) and barrel configurations, only 1,776 were chambered in .38-40. The few I’ve encountered over the years have typically been in hard used and often abused condition. This is one of the better ones. The receiver retains some thinning blue on the rear portion of the sides, distinctive concave bolt on top, and loading gate with the balance an uncleaned gray/brown with a few light surface screw driver scratches on the right side. One small screw on the left side of the receiver is badly buggered and could easily be drilled out and replaced- or simply left as is because the action functions as it should. The 24" octagon barrel retains fine deep blue with only some light edge wear and has excellent markings, original buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact and original Rocky Mountain blade front sight. The mag tube is an uncleaned thin blue/brown on the bottom ¾ with some good blue on the upper section below the barrel. The stock and forearm are generally solid and excellent with only a few light handling marks in the stock and tight wood to metal fit. Action is tight, safety half-cock is strong and the bore is surprisingly sharp and excellent. This was Marlin’s first lever rifle made for pistol length cartridges. Examples are extremely hard to find. 

Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .38-40 Winchester
Manufacturer: MARLIN
Model: 1888
Serial Number: 22XXX
Barrel Length: 24" OCT.
Condition: FINE
Bore Condition: EXCELLENT

Price: $2,950.00