Marlin 1881 45/70 / New Addition

Anthing you think is a big bore

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bslim
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Marlin 1881 45/70 / New Addition

Post by bslim »

I just picked up an 1881 in 45-70 cal. The barrel is 28", octagon. The barrel is marked 45 Govt,looks to be an original barrel? The bore is actually very good with fairly strong rifling and no pitting. With black powder I was expecting much worse. After a good cleaning I loaded up some light loads and took it out to the range. A pleasant surprise, shoots like a dream. the serial # is 196x which from what I understand, it would have been made in the first year of production. All of the wood is aged / dark, but no cracks or gouges. The blueing looks to be VG on the barrel and a bit light on the receiver, but still shows good blueing. It's missing the dust cover and some one bobbed the hammer? I found a new Marlin hammer and will install it as soon as it arrives. Not sure what I'm going to do about the dust cover but in time I'm hoping to find one. All in All this was the first 1881 I have seen and after doing some research on this model, I find it has an interesting history. A nice addition to say the least.
Regnier (gunrunner)
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Re: Marlin 1881 45/70 / New Addition

Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

Bslim;

The serial number of your Marlin Model 1881 is too low for the factory records to check.
It would be interesting to know if your barrel is marked J. M. Marlin or is it marked Marlin Fire-Arms Company?
There is a dust cover on eBay right now along with some other 1881 parts. Search "Marlin" in "Vintage gun parts"
The item number is 382229224844
Good luck.......
Due to the increasing cost of ammunition, there will be no warning shot!

The growing federal deficit = generational slavery to the national debt.

If the world was perfect.......it wouldn't be.
bslim
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Re: Marlin 1881 45/70 / New Addition

Post by bslim »

The Marlin 1881 is marked JM Marlin on the top of the barrel, Thx for the lead on the dust cover.
bslim
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Re: Marlin 1881 45/70 / New Addition

Post by bslim »

AS hard as I tried, I could not find the 1881 dust cover on Ebay? Not sure if it was sold and removed from the listing?
Regnier (gunrunner)
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Re: Marlin 1881 45/70 / New Addition

Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

Bslim;

I just searched by the item number and it came right up.

Item # is 382229224844

Type that number in the search box and it will come up.
OR; type; Marlin Model 1881 mortise top cover in the search box as that is how it is listed.
Due to the increasing cost of ammunition, there will be no warning shot!

The growing federal deficit = generational slavery to the national debt.

If the world was perfect.......it wouldn't be.
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marlinman93
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Re: Marlin 1881 45/70 / New Addition

Post by marlinman93 »

He actually has two dust covers, and this one is $25 less than the other:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Marlin-1881-Mor ... Swk~xZggpr
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
Regnier (gunrunner)
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Re: Marlin 1881 45/70 / New Addition

Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

Vall;

That one you listed is for a small frame Model 1881, and "Bslim" needs a dust cover for an early large frame Model 1881.
Due to the increasing cost of ammunition, there will be no warning shot!

The growing federal deficit = generational slavery to the national debt.

If the world was perfect.......it wouldn't be.
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marlinman93
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Re: Marlin 1881 45/70 / New Addition

Post by marlinman93 »

Oops! I'm in the same boat here! Have a DST 1881 with a small frame dust cover on it, and need a large frame cover. But I'm too tight to pay that guy's $175 for the large one! Unless he'd take mine in trade and let me pay the difference! ;)
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
bslim
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Re: Marlin 1881 45/70 / New Addition

Post by bslim »

Thanks for all of the help on the dust cover. I did find it on Ebay, it's in VG condition, I was willing to pay his price, but unfortunately he does not ship to Canada. I am still looking. Thx again.
Regnier (gunrunner)
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Re: Marlin 1881 45/70 / New Addition

Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

Bslim;

Do you know anyone in the U.S. that could buy it for you and then ship to you? Would cost a little more for the extra shipping, but it is an option.
Due to the increasing cost of ammunition, there will be no warning shot!

The growing federal deficit = generational slavery to the national debt.

If the world was perfect.......it wouldn't be.
bslim
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Re: Marlin 1881 45/70 / New Addition

Post by bslim »

I don't mind the extra shipping costs, just need to find the person willing to do it for me?
Regnier (gunrunner)
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Re: Marlin 1881 45/70 / New Addition

Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

Bslim;

See if the seller will sell it to you, but ship to another person in the U.S. that you know. Then they can ship it to you.
Due to the increasing cost of ammunition, there will be no warning shot!

The growing federal deficit = generational slavery to the national debt.

If the world was perfect.......it wouldn't be.
bslim
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Re: Marlin 1881 45/70 / New Addition

Post by bslim »

When I'm on the web page, there is no contact listing? Does anyone have an email address or some contact info for the seller?
Thx
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Road King
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Re: Marlin 1881 45/70 / New Addition

Post by Road King »

You could have it shipped to my place in Arizona but I won't be there until mid Nov.
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Regnier (gunrunner)
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Re: Marlin 1881 45/70 / New Addition

Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

Bslim;

Click on the sellers name at the top of the page and a new page will come up with his profile and past feedback information. In the upper, right hand corner is an icon with "Contact" to email the seller. Click on that and you can email him.
Due to the increasing cost of ammunition, there will be no warning shot!

The growing federal deficit = generational slavery to the national debt.

If the world was perfect.......it wouldn't be.
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