Finally got brave enough to fondle the old Marlins I posted about awhile back. Things were a little slow in the Gun Library so I took the opportunity to visit with the manager and fondle a couple that catch my eye every time I walk by.
First was a nice enough 94 in 32-20. Finish is quite good but the action was a bit gummy and would have benefitted from at least a cursory cleaning and some fresh oil. Things moved like I thought they should with no slop, tho. It's a conservative 70% gun, could even go 80% with a less conservative appraiser. The bore was dirty and rifling seemed sharp enough but I couldn't rule out moderate pitting, in fact I feel pretty sure it was at least somewhat pitted.
Right next to it was a 93 in 38-55 built in 1905. Very nice gun, probably 80% or better and obviously well taken care of. If was from the same collection as the 94 but it's action felt better and the bore was somewhat cleaner. Rifling was strong but I could see minor pitting and I'd be a little apprehensive about buying it for a CB shooter.
Both were in the $1300 neighborhood but I have no idea what kind of prices these guns normally bring. There was a 38-40 and a 32-40 in the rack but they didn't interest me much, looked a bit rough and abused. I'm a big fan of vintage Winchester leverguns but I can see a vintage Marlin finding it's way into the stable soon. I like semi-modern Marlins but these older Marlins seem to be quite different from my 10-20 yr old Marlins. I really like what I saw and handled tonight. My resolution to not purchase additional rifles this year may be in trouble.