Marlin 1895 Dark Series

Marlin Firearms · Rifle · In Production · 2018

Also known as: Marlin Dark Series Model 1895, Marlin Model 1895 Dark, Marlin 70901

Overview

The Marlin 1895 Dark Series is a tactical lever-action rifle chambered in .45-70 Government, based on the classic Marlin Model 1895 platform. It pairs the traditional lever gun with modern features including a threaded, cold hammer-forged 16.17-inch barrel with muzzle brake, a full graphite-black Cerakote and satin-black finish, an oversized big-loop lever, an adjustable ghost-ring rear sight, a tritium/fiber-optic front sight, an M-LOK handguard, and a Picatinny optics rail. It holds five rounds in a tubular magazine.

Specifications

Weight (empty)3175 g (112.0 oz)
Overall Length901 mm (35.47")
Barrel Length411 mm (16.18")
Action TypeLever Action
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity5 rounds
Magazine TypeTubular
Muzzle Velocity411 m/s (1348 fps)
Muzzle Energy2215 J (1634 ft·lbf)
Effective Range150 m (164 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist508 mm (20.00")
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialPolymer
FinishCerakote

Calibers

Features

Base model

Marlin-1895

Production

Production years: 2018-present

Original Remington-Marlin run 2018-2020; reintroduced under Ruger as model 70901

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Notes

The Dark Series was first launched by Remington-owned Marlin around 2018. After Sturm, Ruger & Co. acquired Marlin in 2020, the line was reintroduced under Ruger production as model 70901 with upgraded features such as a suppressor-height ghost ring, tritium front sight, and included cheek riser.

Background

The Model 1895 was originally designed in the 19th century as Marlin's big-bore lever action; the Dark Series reimagines it as a tactical brush and backcountry gun, blending cowboy-era lever action with modern accessory rails and a blacked-out finish.