Current (2014-15) "Marlin" quality?

DealHunter · February 6, 2015, 01:43 PM

I've been wanting to pick up a 1895 SBL (fancy stainless) or 1895 GS (standard stainless) in 45-70 for some time now, have always been on the lookout for a used JM model but to no avail...

Anyone able to comment on the current quality of the newer Remlin versions of these models (made in 2014-2015)? For a long time there was a "don't bother" attitude in reviews after the takeover of Marlin but I was wondering if they had finally cleaned up their act and started making decent products again.

I have a fair few "older" Marlins (70s-80s) that I really like but in this case if quality has improved I wouldn't be opposed to stop looking for a used model and buy new.

Thanks for any info!

DPris · February 6, 2015, 03:30 PM

Coming back, as models are re-engineered & new processes brought on line.
Denis

Drm50 · February 6, 2015, 11:05 PM

I live in Ohio where new deer season for limited rifle cals. Just went through
1st trail. The news didn't get out among the public until late. Most guys ended
up with 45/70s. The Marlin 1895 was a big seller. I had several guys bring
them out to get scoped and bore sighted. I have a 1895 that was out of 1st
batch back in early 70s. Believe me there is no comparison! New guns were
gritty, poorly finished and not to accurate. 3" with factory loads was about
average. I will point out that 3 of them were the short Guide version. I was
pestered for weeks to sell or trade mine. No Thanks, maybe Rem. will fix or
upgrade the 1895, but I have feeling it will not be up to standards of the old
models. My advice look for old model, and do it fast, they are on edge of being
collector items.

mete · February 7, 2015, 05:37 AM

As long as the public keeps buying by price instead of value or quality , quality will continue to go down.

mehavey · February 7, 2015, 09:30 AM

An admitted re-post of mine, but still relevant here:

Since I actually HAVE one (a RemLin 45-70 GBL), I'll weigh in.
http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/45...ml#post1065588

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the FWIW column: I picked up a Remlim GBL about two months ago. (actually May`12 now)

- I like the laminate stock work they did (so did several of the "old guys" amongst my Range Officers)
- I like the oversize lever loop design (as compared to my 39A and `94)
- I like the absolutely flawless feeding of those big 45-70 cases.... smoothest I've ever felt... fast or slow
- I wasn't too keen on the 8½ lb trigger, so I HappyTriggered & re main-springed it to 3½
- The stock iron sights weren't too bad, but I put a WilliamsFP peep on it to establish load preferences.
- (then my mid 60's eyes finally said "...put a lo-pwr Leupold on it, stupid...."

- Finally, I like the way it puts lead (real cast heavy lead) downrange:

Other than the above, I have no strong opinion.

Guv · February 7, 2015, 01:18 PM

^Good to see this, I hope Marlins future is bright.

badlander · February 7, 2015, 04:04 PM

I looked over the one in A local shop recently. It looked very good. The checkering could be better but overall much better than early remlins I have looked at.

DPris · February 7, 2015, 06:03 PM

They're working on the laser machines, trying to get better checkering on the wood.
Denis

steveNChunter · February 8, 2015, 12:04 AM

I wish they would start chambering the 336 in .35 rem again, and offer a straight stock on the 336.

I love my '59 model 336 "Texan" in .35 and would like to have a new one with the same stock design and chambering to sit beside it.

I'll probably just have to keep wishing...

tahoe2 · February 14, 2015, 04:58 PM

Seeing as Marlin dropped the 338 ME they should introduce a 35/358 Marlin Express with Hornady's LeverEvolution bullets and powder in the XLR rifle. I think it would catch on.
As for the performance and reliability of new Marlins, all the ones I've seen at the range, (only 3) an 1894 in 44 mag, a 308 ME in the XLR and an 1895 in 45-70, they all performd well,
grouped well and looked good; as in fit and finish.
They were all worthy of the Marlin moniker in my opinion.

Since I don't own any of those, nor did I shoot them, my experience with them is limited, but general appearances was good in my opinion.
I do own a couple of JM Marlin's in 375 Winchester and 30-30, so I know what a good one is.

DPris · February 14, 2015, 06:01 PM

They do have plans for some fun stuff coming up, including one or two caliber surprises.

It's a slow process, but they're trying.
Denis

THORN74 · February 19, 2015, 06:25 PM

I've got a 1895gbl I picked up in June 2014. It was brand new, and in great shape. I had been eyeing one for several years. Knowing the troubles Remington was having I was in a holding pattern, waiting for the kinks to be worked out.

Looked it over for all the usual issues. Everything looked Good. The action cycled very smoothly for a new gun.

My only "complaint" would be the poor pressed checkering on the stocks. It has no bite at all. But its to be expected from that kind of process. Mine was on par with all others I had seen.

I love it! Slapped a skinner peep sight on it and a Montana leather sling. She is a great gun.

IMHO Remington has gotten its act together

DPris · February 19, 2015, 08:32 PM

It's laser cut & they're supposed to be working on that.
Denis

98 220 swift · February 19, 2015, 08:45 PM

I bought a guide gun late last year. It may have been made in 2013-14. So far it cycles great. It was a little gritty but some time with some light grit sandpaper took care of that. The stock fitment is the biggest problem I see. It just doesn't fit around the receiver very well. The finish on the stock is not very attractive. The stock looks like it would be very nice with a oil finish on it. Which I plan to do at some time in the short future. Accuracy has been pretty good. Still doing load development. I bought a cabelas lever action scope for it tonight so that may help with the load work. So far I am happy with it.

DPris · February 19, 2015, 10:12 PM

The wood-to-metal fit has been a major issue, but they're also working on that & the .357 from last June I borrowed was infinitely better than the .357 I borrowed three years ago.
Denis

February 6, 2015, 01:43 PM	#1
DealHunter Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2012 Posts: 225	Current (2014-15) "Marlin" quality? I've been wanting to pick up a 1895 SBL (fancy stainless) or 1895 GS (standard stainless) in 45-70 for some time now, have always been on the lookout for a used JM model but to no avail... Anyone able to comment on the current quality of the newer Remlin versions of these models (made in 2014-2015)? For a long time there was a "don't bother" attitude in reviews after the takeover of Marlin but I was wondering if they had finally cleaned up their act and started making decent products again. I have a fair few "older" Marlins (70s-80s) that I really like but in this case if quality has improved I wouldn't be opposed to stop looking for a used model and buy new. Thanks for any info!

February 6, 2015, 11:05 PM	#3
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,382	New Marlin 1895s I live in Ohio where new deer season for limited rifle cals. Just went through 1st trail. The news didn't get out among the public until late. Most guys ended up with 45/70s. The Marlin 1895 was a big seller. I had several guys bring them out to get scoped and bore sighted. I have a 1895 that was out of 1st batch back in early 70s. Believe me there is no comparison! New guns were gritty, poorly finished and not to accurate. 3" with factory loads was about average. I will point out that 3 of them were the short Guide version. I was pestered for weeks to sell or trade mine. No Thanks, maybe Rem. will fix or upgrade the 1895, but I have feeling it will not be up to standards of the old models. My advice look for old model, and do it fast, they are on edge of being collector items.

February 7, 2015, 05:37 AM	#4
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	As long as the public keeps buying by price instead of value or quality , quality will continue to go down. __________________ And Watson , bring your revolver !

February 7, 2015, 04:04 PM	#7
badlander Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2008 Location: So. Fla Posts: 344	I looked over the one in A local shop recently. It looked very good. The checkering could be better but overall much better than early remlins I have looked at. __________________ We have room for all of Alaska's wildlife. Right next to the mashed potatos- Sarah Palin

February 8, 2015, 12:04 AM	#9
steveNChunter Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2012 Location: Southern Appalachian Mtns Posts: 1,520	I wish they would start chambering the 336 in .35 rem again, and offer a straight stock on the 336. I love my '59 model 336 "Texan" in .35 and would like to have a new one with the same stock design and chambering to sit beside it. I'll probably just have to keep wishing... __________________ DEO VINDICE Last edited by steveNChunter; February 8, 2015 at 12:15 AM.

February 6, 2015, 03:30 PM	#2
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	Coming back, as models are re-engineered & new processes brought on line. Denis

February 7, 2015, 09:30 AM	#5
mehavey Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 6,896	An admitted re-post of mine, but still relevant here: Since I actually HAVE one (a RemLin 45-70 GBL), I'll weigh in. http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/45...ml#post1065588 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In the FWIW column: I picked up a Remlim GBL about two months ago. (actually May`12 now) - I like the laminate stock work they did (so did several of the "old guys" amongst my Range Officers) - I like the oversize lever loop design (as compared to my 39A and `94) - I like the absolutely flawless feeding of those big 45-70 cases.... smoothest I've ever felt... fast or slow - I wasn't too keen on the 8½ lb trigger, so I HappyTriggered & re main-springed it to 3½ - The stock iron sights weren't too bad, but I put a WilliamsFP peep on it to establish load preferences. - (then my mid 60's eyes finally said "...put a lo-pwr Leupold on it, stupid...." - Finally, I like the way it puts lead (real cast heavy lead) downrange: Other than the above, I have no strong opinion.

February 7, 2015, 01:18 PM	#6
Guv Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2012 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,126	^Good to see this, I hope Marlins future is bright.

February 7, 2015, 06:03 PM	#8
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	They're working on the laser machines, trying to get better checkering on the wood. Denis

February 14, 2015, 04:58 PM	#10
tahoe2 Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2011 Location: Seattle area Posts: 661	New Marlin's ? Seeing as Marlin dropped the 338 ME they should introduce a 35/358 Marlin Express with Hornady's LeverEvolution bullets and powder in the XLR rifle. I think it would catch on. As for the performance and reliability of new Marlins, all the ones I've seen at the range, (only 3) an 1894 in 44 mag, a 308 ME in the XLR and an 1895 in 45-70, they all performd well, grouped well and looked good; as in fit and finish. They were all worthy of the Marlin moniker in my opinion. Since I don't own any of those, nor did I shoot them, my experience with them is limited, but general appearances was good in my opinion. I do own a couple of JM Marlin's in 375 Winchester and 30-30, so I know what a good one is.

February 14, 2015, 06:01 PM	#11
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	They do have plans for some fun stuff coming up, including one or two caliber surprises. It's a slow process, but they're trying. Denis

February 19, 2015, 06:25 PM	#12
THORN74 Senior Member Join Date: May 30, 2010 Location: Chicago 'Burbs Posts: 543	I've got a 1895gbl I picked up in June 2014. It was brand new, and in great shape. I had been eyeing one for several years. Knowing the troubles Remington was having I was in a holding pattern, waiting for the kinks to be worked out. Looked it over for all the usual issues. Everything looked Good. The action cycled very smoothly for a new gun. My only "complaint" would be the poor pressed checkering on the stocks. It has no bite at all. But its to be expected from that kind of process. Mine was on par with all others I had seen. I love it! Slapped a skinner peep sight on it and a Montana leather sling. She is a great gun. IMHO Remington has gotten its act together

February 19, 2015, 08:32 PM	#13
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	It's laser cut & they're supposed to be working on that. Denis

February 19, 2015, 08:45 PM	#14
98 220 swift Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2015 Location: Perryville MO Posts: 426	I bought a guide gun late last year. It may have been made in 2013-14. So far it cycles great. It was a little gritty but some time with some light grit sandpaper took care of that. The stock fitment is the biggest problem I see. It just doesn't fit around the receiver very well. The finish on the stock is not very attractive. The stock looks like it would be very nice with a oil finish on it. Which I plan to do at some time in the short future. Accuracy has been pretty good. Still doing load development. I bought a cabelas lever action scope for it tonight so that may help with the load work. So far I am happy with it.

February 19, 2015, 10:12 PM	#15
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	The wood-to-metal fit has been a major issue, but they're also working on that & the .357 from last June I borrowed was infinitely better than the .357 I borrowed three years ago. Denis