Marlin Model 1881

Marlin Firearms · Rifle · Discontinued · 1881

Also known as: Marlin Repeater, Marlin Magazine Rifle, Model of 1881

Overview

The Marlin Model 1881 was Marlin Firearms' first lever-action repeating rifle, a tubular-magazine repeater introduced in 1881. Chambered primarily in the big-bore .45-70 Government, it gave Marlin an early multi-caliber repeater that could handle full-power cartridges years before the Winchester Model 1886. It established the lever-action lineage Marlin would build on for the next century.

Specifications

Weight (empty)	3855 g (136.0 oz)
Overall Length	1118 mm (44.02")
Barrel Length	711 mm (27.99")
Action Type	Lever Action
Firing Mechanism	Hammer Fired
Trigger Type	Single Stage
Magazine Capacity	8 rounds
Magazine Type	Tube
Muzzle Velocity	545 m/s (1788 fps)
Muzzle Energy	2753 J (2031 ft·lbf)
Effective Range	200 m (219 yd)
Barrel Rifling	Right Hand
Frame Material	Steel
Barrel Material	Steel
Stock Material	Wood
Finish	Blued

Calibers

.45-70 Government · primary — also known as .45-70 Govt, .45-70, .45-70 Springfield, 11.63x53mmR
.40-60 Marlin — also known as .40-60 Marlin, .40-60
.38-55 Winchester — also known as .38-55 Win, .38-55 WCF

Features

Firing modes: Repeating
Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
Features: Tubular Magazine, Octagon Barrel, Straight Grip Stock, Color Case Hardened Furniture

Production

Estimated total produced: 20,500 · Production years: 1881-1903

Sources cite roughly 20,535 to 21,716 units; active production effectively ended by 1892

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: Andrew Burgess

Discontinued: 1903

Notes

Production largely ended around 1892 after the Winchester 1886 dominated the big-bore repeater market; a handful of units shipped into the early 1900s.

Background

The Model 1881 was Marlin's very first repeater and lever-action, the foundation of the entire Marlin lever line; the US military evaluated it in 1882 but retained the single-shot Trapdoor Springfield.