Got it Home

[Eddie2002]

just got home with the Marlin 1893 30-30. She is beautiful and came with a custom case made in Rochester NY. It took an eight hour drive one way to get the old girl but it was worth it. It doesn't look like the rifle has ever been shot, yeah she's that nice.
Wondering about the manufacturing date, the serial # is 1569**. I'm beat, need a drink and it was a long drive, pictures as soon as I can get them together.
Thanks

[VA Jim]

Can't wait to see it. I'd love to find one in that condition. I've got 2 1893's in 38-55. Both used and abused. One is getting a barrel liner installed and the other has a new "old stock" barrel and shoots great. Been thinking the good shooter needs a complete rebuild (new case hardening, re-blue and new stock). Too many projects and not enough time or money.

[BK7saum]

Tagged for later

[Eddie2002]

Here are some pictures, from the serial number it was made around 1897.
The stock has a few small scratches that don't show up but otherwise it's in great shape. The case is a little beat up but has done it's job of protecting the rifle for over 100 years.
From the looks of the action I don't believe it has been shot more than 2 or 3 times. I really want to shoot the old girl but don't want to hurt the value of it. But hey it's a rifle and was made to be shot.
I'm planning to load some 125 grain condom bullets over a mild load of 4895 and am open to any load suggestions.
Thanks

[Speedo66]

Beautiful wood, I see why you drove so far. Good luck with it!

[Surfcat]

That is a beautiful rifle... well worth the travel.

[VA Jim]

Fantastic find. I'm very jealous. I think you can shoot it without hurting the value. (I know I would have to)

[OverMax]

Good black powder shooter. Easy to clean.
Take downs are worth the effort (drive) but not their asking price. That's a high dollar find you got there. Congrats Eddie 2002

Advice: Shoot mild loadings only. 120 years young. Don't see a need to loosen the old gal up this late date in her life.

[Eddie2002]

Thanks all, I think I've found a light load for the old girl. I've decided to load a 125 grain jacketed RN bullet over 27 grains of IMR 4895 to start with. I found the load in the Speer #9 reloading book which says the speed will be around 1950 fps which is a light load compared to most of the other load recipes out there. I have all the components and some range brass so I'm going to give it a try. It has the "Special Smokeless Steel" barrel so it's safe with modern powder.
I might try Black Powder down the road but BP is so corrosive I would rather not get it anywhere near the rifle but it would be a real hoot to shoot.
Probably will shoot cast once the honey moon is over.

[Jack Stanley]

Congrats !! that rifle is a real looker !

Jack

[pietro]

Wondering about the manufacturing date, the serial # is 1569**.

1947.........



.

[KCSO]

I shoot a 93 Carbine in mint condition and never shoot jacketed slugs. Either the Lyman 31141 or the Lee soupcan bullet and either trail boss or Unique work well for plinking and the 31141 and 748 or Reloader 7 for hunting .

[Eddie2002]

1947........, how did you come up with this date? All the records I've found date the serial number to 1897. The "newer" Marlins 1893's have serial numbers that end with a letter. The original series of serial numbers stopped at 450,000 around 1913.
Thanks