The Ruger era of Marlin Firearms continues to produce guns shooters demand. The once highly-popular if radical take on the lever-gun is back with the return of the Marlin Dark Series. The rebirth emerges with a blacked-out version of the Model 1895 in .45-70 Gov’t.

Marlin Dark Series Lever-Action Rifles

“The Marlin Dark Series is the next step for Marlin,” said Ruger President and CEO, Chris Killoy. There is a growing demand for more modern lever rifles, and the previous Dark Series rifles introduced Marlin into this space. We took a hard look at them and made several significant improvements.”

The Dark Series rifle come with a black, nylon-reinforced polymer stock with M-LOK attachment slots, flush cup socket for QD sling swivels, an included cheek riser for matching scope height and a generous recoil pad. An anodized aluminum handguard also provides more M-LOK attachment and QD sockets. A mid-sized finger lever provides unique flare and comfortable cycling, according to Marlin.

The rifle also utilizes a black Cerakote finish for both form and function. The bolt and lever each wear a nitride finish for wear protection,. The 16.17-inch hammer-forged barrel includes a removable radial muzzle break. A thread protector also ships with the rifle. A receiver-mounted Picatinny rail, adjustable ghost ring rear sight and fiber-optic, tritium front sight complete the sighting system.

“The lever-action market has evolved in recent years,” Killy said. “And while we will always embrace tradition with the classic configurations, this new Dark Series Model 1895 rifle shows how Marlin lever-actions can appeal to a broader variety of firearms enthusiasts.”

Each Ruger-made Marlin wears the “Mayodan, NC” and “RM” (Ruger-Made) serial number prefix. Additional models in different configurations and calibers are planned for release, including a Model 336 in .30-30 Win. and a Model 1894 in .44 Rem Mag/.44 Spl. The current Model 1895 in .45-70 retails for $1,379. For more info, visit marlinfirearms.com.

Marlin Dark Series Model 1895 Specs

• Caliber: .45-70 Gov’t
• Overall Capacity: 5+1
• Stock: Nylon Reinforced Polymer
• Barrel Length: 16.17 inches
• MSRP: $1,379

On May 2, 2019, Athlon Outdoors reported:

Marlin recently announced the newest addition to its lever-action rifle lines, the Marlin Dark Series. The Dark Series releases initially in 336 and 1895 lever-action rifle lines.

Marlin Dark Series Features

The Marlin Dark Series feature black-webbed stocks and forends. Further, the receiver and barrel utilizes a stealthy, matte black parkerized finish. Threaded barrels, big-loop levers, XS Lever Rails with ghost ring peep sights complement the new models. The XS rails further add versatility, making the Dark Series optics ready.

336 Dark Lever-Action Rifle

The Marlin 336 Dark is chambered in the timeless .30-30 Win. caliber. Sporting a 16.25-inch barrel, the 336’s tubular magazine delivers an overall magazine capacity of 5+1 rounds. The overall length measures 34.5 inches, keeping that traditional, between-the-hands balance the 336 is known for. Suggest retail is $949.

1895 Dark Lever-Action Rifle

The Marlin 1895 Dark is chambered in the bigger .45-70 cartridge. Like the 336, the 1895’s tubular magazine sports a 5+1 overall magazine capacity. A 16.25-inch barrel features a muzzle thread pattern of 11/16″x24. The 1895 measures 34.5 inches overall and retails for $949.

For those looking for a similarly modern approach to the classic lever-action rifle design, check out Gun Test: The Fast-Handling Marlin Model 1895 Trapper in .45-70. In this Tactical Life exclusive, Denis Prisbey describes the new Trapper:

This new Trapper could find a place in my truck without much effort at all. Also, with just a little tweaking, it’d be one of the most interesting Marlins in their line-up for my tastes, and I’m glad to see the company coming back into serious running with the leverguns they built their reputation on. If you’ve held off checking them out because of all the sad tales of problematical quality, give ’em another chance. Above all, it’s time.

For more information, visit marlinfirearms.com.

Marlin 336 Dark Specifications

• Caliber: .30-30 Win.
• Overall Capacity: 5+1
• Overall Barrel Length: 16.25 inches
• Muzzle Threads: 5/8″x24
• Overall Length: 34.5 inches
• MSRP: $949

Marlin 1895 Dark Specifications

• Caliber: 45-70 Gov’t
• Overall Magazine Capacity: 5+1
• Overall Barrel Length: 16.25 inches
• Muzzle Threads: 11/16″x24
• Overall Length: 34.5 inches
• MSRP: $949

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