1889 v. 1893 38-40 Cal.

Anything to do with Lever Action Guns

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63Vette
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1889 v. 1893 38-40 Cal.

Post by 63Vette »

I have a 38-40 Cal. Lever Action Ser. #83xxx., Manufacture date 1893. What model no. is my rifle? 1889? 1893? or possibly an early model 1894? It is my understanding that the 38-40 was manufactured from 1889 through 1894, with the 38-55 starting in 1895 - is this correct? If so, is there any way to verify what model my rifle is - based upon caliber & serial number? Or does it require a review of internal lever-action mechanism?

Anyone?

Also it is possible to purchase 38-40 ammo through blackhills ammo, or buffalo ammo (.com) is amyone familiar with this ammo?

Thanks in advance for your comments.
Sure-Shot
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Re: 1889 v. 1893 38-40 Cal.

Post by Sure-Shot »

38-40 is a pistol sized round in 40 caliber. I had one in an 1889, and I would suspect that is what you have. Ammo can be found for them, gun shows are a good place to look. I am sure there are several places you can get it on the web. I reload so other than buying brass I made my own. A few grains of Unique and if you shoot with the sun behind you, you can occassionally see a round going down range. Lots of fun to shoot but keep the loads light.
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marlinman93
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Re: 1889 v. 1893 38-40 Cal.

Post by marlinman93 »

If your lever has a catch to hold it closed, then it's an 1889.
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
Wishbone
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Re: 1889 v. 1893 38-40 Cal.

Post by Wishbone »

You do not have a Model 1893. They were made for the medium bore long action cartridges. Not the .38-40. Only the 1888, 1889 and 1894 were made in .38-40. If your rifle has a manufacture date of 1893, that should rule out the 1894 leaving the 1888 or 1889. If it is a top ejecting rifle, it is a Model 1888. If - as MM93 said - it has the lever catch and is side ejecting, it is a Model 1889.

WB
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63Vette
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Re: 1889 v. 1893 38-40 Cal.

Post by 63Vette »

Iby marlinman93 » Fri Feb 20, 2009 4:05 pm "If your lever has a catch to hold it closed, then it's an 1889".

Yes - It has the catch. All these question arised after I ordered a reproduction catelog for Marlin Fire Arms "June 1897".

Thanks for the help guys! It just keeps getting better and better.
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marlinman93
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Re: 1889 v. 1893 38-40 Cal.

Post by marlinman93 »

Glad we could be of assistance!-Vall
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
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