Ruger/Marlin 1895SBL

[MIshooter]

After waiting for months, I was finally able to find one. Saw lots of blue and stainless trappers but no SBL's.

A bit of history. I had an original Marlin New Haven 1895SBL but quality was really bad. Barrel was off center of the receiver so was the forearm. Innards was full of burrs. Checkering looked like it was made with a wire brush. I ended up selling it.

Now the new Marlin. Metal fit and finish is excellent. Wood is nicely checkered. Wood to metal fit is also very nice without big gaps or sticking proud of the surfaces. Trigger pull was disappointing. I have a spring gage that goes to 6.5 pounds and bottomed out before the trigger trips. Was not smooth at all.

Took it to the range (100yds) and with cast bullet loads and a bit of sight adjustments got on target. I had to use the factory sights since my scope is out for repairs. Looks promising with groups about 4". Function was smooth and no hiccups.

One major issue though. Marlins have a two piece firing pin. The back half drops down when the bolt is opened as a safety. Mine the rear pin stuck in the bolt and would not drop down when open. Called Ruger and it has to go back for repair. Bummer but I know it will get fixed. CS person was very nice and told me that repairs are usually done within 4 days. So waiting for the label and off it goes. CS said it can only be shipped FedEx as USPS and UPS no longer accepts firearms.

Stay tuned...

MIshooter

 

[sharpblade7777]

I recently got one of the trappers. It has a very crisp trigger pull but like yours is too heavy. I just checked my firing pin and it does drop down when open. But I love it.

 

[Coyote56]

Nice enough rifles I suppose but for that price, I'll stick with my Henry. As I seldom reload on horseback while chasing desperados, lack of a loading gate is not a deal breaker.

 

[pamtnman]

I hunted with a Henry 45-70 in Alaska last month, and was not overly impressed with it. I also felt badly for the gun after ten days in the SE AK rain and salt air. So I bought a new Ruger-Marlin 1895 SBL two Fridays ago, sent it back to Ruger the following Monday, and got it back two days ago. Most of the work I requested was done, the key bits being making the lever open without a team of mules pulling on it, and keeping the lever screw in place, because it was backing out when I worked the lever. The lever doesn't snap right open, but now I don't tear the ligaments in my hand operating it, either. I can hunt with this gun, and I am looking forward to taking it out for spring bear in SE AK June 2024.
Separately, anyone have experience loading stout bear rounds for this?

 

[greenmtnguy]

Go to the marlinowners.com forum, they have all the advice you need.

I've been reloading for my 1895 a long while, but I don't hunt big bears and don't have a big bear load worked up. They'll generally recommend you start with a hard cast flat point upwards of 350 grains and push it around 1800 fps. Make sure the stocks well against your shoulder...

 

[MIshooter]

Here's the update. Sent the rifle back on a Thursday, they got it Monday, shipped it back Tuesday and I got it Friday. They replaced the bolt assembly and test fired 12 rounds. Works as designed now. Plenty of time before I go deer hunting to sight it in. I'm happy.

 

[pamtnman]

Here's the update. Sent the rifle back on a Thursday, they got it Monday, shipped it back Tuesday and I got it Friday. They replaced the bolt assembly and test fired 12 rounds. Works as designed now. Plenty of time before I go deer hunting to sight it in. I'm happy.

I wonder how high the return rate is on this model. It is a good gun, now that it has been fixed, but my own experience demonstrated that they are not exercising good quality control and are just pushing these out the door.