Marlin Model 1889
Marlin Firearms · Rifle · Discontinued · 1889
Also known as: Marlin 1889, Model 1889
Overview
The Marlin Model 1889 is a lever-action rifle and the first Marlin lever gun to use a solid-top steel receiver with side ejection of spent cases, a layout that became the hallmark of every Marlin lever action that followed. Designed by Marlin engineer Lewis L. Hepburn, it added a locking bolt and firing-pin interlock that prevented discharge until the action was fully locked. Chambered for popular frontier cartridges including the .44-40 Winchester, it was offered as a rifle, carbine, and musket.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3290 g (116.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1080 mm (42.52") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Lever Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 936 J (690 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 900 m (984 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .44-40 Winchester · primary — also known as .44-40 WCF, .44 WCF
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Locking Bolt, Half Cock Notch
- Features: Solid Top Receiver, Side Ejection, Tubular Magazine, Case Hardened Receiver
Service history
Operators
- American civilian and frontier shooters · adopted 1889
Production
Estimated total produced: 55,000 · Production years: 1889-1899
Approximately 55,000 rifles, carbines, and muskets produced; a small number assembled later from remaining parts.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Lewis L. Hepburn
Discontinued: 1899
Notes
Production ran roughly 1889-1899 with about 55,000 rifles, carbines, and muskets built before being superseded by the Model 1893. Offered in .25-20 (very rare, around 34 made), .32-20, .38-40, and .44-40, with a wide range of barrel lengths and tubular magazine capacities.
Background
The Model 1889 established the side-ejecting, solid-top-receiver formula that Marlin lever actions are still built around more than a century later. Marlin's design team believed a solid steel top was safer in the event of a hang-fire and stronger than an equivalent top-eject frame.