The Complete Guide to Marlin Rifles: History, Models & Fitment for Aussie Shooters

Posted by Precision Parts Co on 26th Jun 2025

The Complete Guide to Marlin Rifles: History, Models & Fitment for Aussie Shooters

The Complete Guide to Marlin Rifles: History, Models & Fitment for Aussie Shooters

At Precision Parts Co., we live and breathe lever-action upgrades and when it comes to lever guns, Marlin is a name with serious heritage. From cowboy classics to modern tactical builds, Marlin rifles have evolved for over 140 years, offering shooters everything from .22 plinkers to big-bore bruisers.

Whether you're running an old Glenfield 30 or a brand-new Marlin 1895 SBL, this guide will walk you through Marlin's major models, calibre options, action types, and fitment details for aftermarket parts like handguards, stocks, quivers, and more.

Lever-Action Models

Marlin Model 1881

  • First successful big-bore lever-action

  • Calibres: .38-55, .45-70, .45-90

  • A true black powder-era heavyweight

Marlin Model 1893

  • Precursor to the 336, square flush bolt

  • Calibres: .30-30, .32-40, .38-55

  • The foundation of Marlin's modern lever-action legacy

Marlin Model 1894

  • Short-action lever gun for revolver calibres

  • Common Calibres: .357 Mag, .44 Mag, .45 Colt, .41 Mag

  • Popular Variants: 1894C, 1894CSBL, 1894 Trapper, Cowboy

  • Fitment Notes: Straight or pistol grip, barrel band or end cap — check carefully

Marlin Model 1895

  • Big-bore lever gun chambered primarily in .45-70 Govt

  • Variants: G, GBL, GS, CB, SBL, Trapper, Dark

  • "M" models in .450 Marlin

  • Fitment Notes: Pistol grip, mostly end cap on modern tactical versions

Marlin Model 336

  • Mid-size lever-action workhorse

  • Calibres: .30-30 Win, .35 Rem, .444 Marlin (older models)

  • Variants: 336C, 336W, 336Y (youth), 336SS, 336XLR

  • Retail Versions: Glenfield 30, 30A, 30AS, JC Higgins Model 45, Western Field 740, K-Mart Model 30TK

  • Fitment: Straight grip, usually barrel band — older models may vary

Marlin Model 444

  • Launched in 1964 for .444 Marlin

  • Variants: 444T, 444S, 444SS, 444P (Outfitter), 444XLR

  • A true thumper — one of the earliest .44-calibre rifle rounds

Marlin Model 39A / 1897

  • Longest continuously produced lever-action

  • .22 LR, .22 Short, .22 Long

  • Known for accuracy and heirloom quality

  • Golden 39A is a collector’s favourite

Marlin Dark Series

  • Tactical-style version of the 1894, 1895, and 336

  • Features: Threaded barrel, big loop lever, matte finish, M-LOK compatibility

  • Fitment: All models are End Cap and pistol grip, ideal for upgrades

Marlin Levermatic Series

  • Short-throw lever, rimfire calibre

  • Fast, smooth action — less common but interesting collectors' models

Bolt-Action Models

Marlin Model 20 / 25 / 25N / 925 / 25M / 25MG

  • Rimfire bolt-actions in .22LR, .22WMR

  • 25MG: smoothbore "Garden Gun"

  • 925 was the evolution of the 25N

Marlin XT Series (XT-22, XT-17)

  • .22LR and .17HMR bolt-actions

  • Multiple variants, threaded barrel versions available

  • Affordable and accurate for small game and plinking

Marlin Model MR7

  • Centre-fire bolt action (.30-06, .270, .25-06)

  • Manufactured from 1996–1999

  • Rare .280 Remington variant in final year

Marlin XL7 / XS7

  • XL7 = Long action (.30-06, .270, .25-06)

  • XS7 = Short action (.308, .243, 7mm-08)

  • Built for hunting — discontinued but respected

Need Help Choosing the Right Parts?

We get it, with so many models, variants, and grip types, finding the right upgrade can be tricky. That’s why we offer fitment support just send us a photo of your rifle or your serial number range, and we’ll help you get sorted.

Why Buy from Precision Parts Co?

  • Authorised Ranger Point Precision Dealer in AUS & NZ

  • Real fitment advice from real shooters

  • Flat-rate shipping across Australia

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