Marlin 1895 SBL
Marlin Firearms · Rifle · In Production · 2010
Also known as: 1895 SBL, Stainless Big Loop
Overview
The Marlin 1895 SBL (Stainless Big Loop) is the modern tactical-styled big-bore lever-action rifle chambered in the venerable .45-70 Government. Built on Marlin's strong 1895 action, the SBL features a 19.1-inch cold hammer-forged stainless steel barrel with threaded muzzle, gray laminate hardwood stock, oversized lever loop for use with heavy gloves, XS Sights ghost-ring rear and tritium fiber-optic front sight, and a full-length Picatinny optics rail. After Sturm, Ruger & Co. acquired Marlin in 2020, the SBL was the first Marlin model reintroduced under Ruger production in 2021.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3311 g (116.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 946 mm (37.24") |
| Barrel Length | 485 mm (19.09") |
| Action Type | Lever Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tube |
| Muzzle Velocity | 600 m/s (1969 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 4680 J (3452 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Stainless |
Calibers
- .45-70 Government · primary — also known as .45-70, .45-70 Govt, .45 Govt
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Safety, Hammer Block, Half Cock Notch
- Features: Oversized Lever Loop, Threaded Muzzle, Tritium Fiber Optic Front Sight, Ghost Ring Rear Sight, Picatinny Rail, Side Loading Gate, Tubular Magazine, Exposed Hammer, Gray Laminate Stock, Sling Swivel Studs
Variants
- Marlin 1895 Trapper — Short Barrel
- Marlin 1895 Guide Gun — Ported Barrel
- Marlin 1895 Dark Series — Tactical
Base model
Production
Production years: 2010-2020, 2021-present
Production resumed under Ruger ownership in 2021; the SBL was the first Marlin model reintroduced after the Ruger acquisition
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The 'SBL' designation stands for Stainless Big Loop. Modern Ruger-built SBLs are highly sought after - early examples were easily resold for double MSRP. Capable of taking any North American game including coastal brown bear with proper loads.
Background
When Ruger relaunched the Marlin lineup in 2021, they chose the 1895 SBL as the flagship - the rifle that would either prove or doom the new factory's quality. It proved them. The Ruger-era SBL is widely considered the finest production .45-70 lever gun ever made, and Alaskan bush pilots and bear-country guides have made it a near-default sidearm against grizzlies and brown bears.