Marlin Model 1894 Antique (.38-40 WCF) — Used Price & Value 2026 | GunPrice Value Guide

Marlin Model 1894 Antique

.38-40 WCF·Used Price & Value Guide 2026

About the Marlin Model 1894 Antique

The Marlin Model 1894 Antique in .38-40 WCF is a lever-action rifle from Marlin — iconic American lever-action maker — Model 336, Model 1895, Model 60. Within the catalog this configuration serves target shooting and hunting per platform conventions, and its 2026 used-market position is supported by an active dealer network, available parts, and a stable supply of buyers willing to transact at the price bands documented below.

Brief History & Lineage

Marlin Firearms Company was founded in 1870 in New Haven, Connecticut. The Model 336 .30-30 and Model 1895 .45-70 are bedrock American hunting rifles. After Remington’s bankruptcy, Ruger acquired Marlin in 2020 and resumed production at Mayodan, North Carolina. Within the catalog, Marlin positions itself among peers including Henry Repeating, Winchester, Savage Arms.

Specifications

• Caliber: .38-40 WCF
• Action: Lever-action rifle
• Capacity: 5–10 rounds tubular magazine
• Barrel: 16″–24″ round or octagon
• Stock: American walnut typically
• Year of manufacture: varies — see Year-of-Manufacture Notes below

Variant & Year-of-Manufacture Notes

The Marlin Model 1894 Antique has been offered across multiple production years with variation in stock material, finish, and barrel length. Early-production examples typically command a modest premium over late-production guns of the same configuration. Watch for aftermarket modifications — refinishes, drilled-and-tapped receivers on classic pieces, replacement stocks, and trigger swaps — all of which can shift used value. Original-condition examples with matching serials, factory boxes, and manuals trade at the top of the range for the model.

Ammunition & Shooting Notes

The .38-40 WCF is used for target shooting and hunting per platform conventions. Loads from major american and european manufacturers are available through normal channels. Modern factory loads from American, European, and Asian manufacturers all run well in this platform, and reloaders enjoy a wide range of bullet and powder combinations.

How It Compares

The Marlin Model 1894 Antique occupies a market position comparable to offerings from Henry Repeating, Winchester, and Savage Arms. Buyers cross-shopping these brands typically prioritize deer hunters — and once they’ve committed to Marlin, brand loyalty tends to be strong because of dealer network and parts availability. Used-market resale for a comparable-condition gun from these peer brands trades within roughly ±15% of the Marlin Model 1894 Antique depending on the specific variant and year.

What’s a Used Marlin Model 1894 Antique Worth?

Private-sale ranges for a working, no-rust Model 1894 Antique in 2026 fall in four bands:

• Beater / heavily used: $325–$500 — significant wear, action functional, may need cleaning or minor service
• Average / honest used: $450–$700 — normal handling marks, mechanically sound, ready to shoot
• Excellent / lightly used: $600–$950 — minimal wear, clean bore, original box and paperwork a plus
• New-in-box or unfired: $800–$1250 — at this price, the calculation usually flips toward buying new instead

Add a premium for documented early-production examples, original box and accessories, or limited-run variants. Subtract for refinished surfaces, aftermarket modifications a buyer would have to reverse, or signs of hard use.

Who Buys It?

The typical Marlin buyer profile includes deer hunters, lever-action collectors, brush-country shooters. The lever-action rifle format and the .38-40 WCF chambering further focus the audience. Used-market liquidity is solid — list a clean example at fair market on GunBroker, Armslist, or a local board and it generally moves inside two to three weeks. Dealer trade-in offers typically run 20–30% below private-sale; if you have time to list, private sale captures the premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Marlin Model 1894 Antique still in production?

Production status changes — check Marlin’s current catalog for active SKUs. If discontinued, used-market supply is the only source, and that can drive prices up for clean examples.

What’s the best ammunition for the Model 1894 Antique?

For general-purpose use, factory loads in .38-40 WCF from the major American and European makers are the safe choice. Match shooters and hunters should select bullet weight and construction to the intended task.

Does year of manufacture matter for value?

Yes, to a degree. Early-production Model 1894 Antique examples often command a small premium for collector interest, and pre-discontinuation variants can also trade higher. Mid-production years generally trade at the base ranges shown above.

What’s the resale outlook compared to Henry Repeating alternatives?

Both Marlin and Henry Repeating retain solid resale value in their respective segments. Within ±15%, the two trade comparably in clean condition. The Marlin Model 1894 Antique typically pulls ahead with collectors who specifically want this brand.

What scope rings or mounts fit the Model 1894 Antique?

Most Model 1894 Antique variants ship drilled and tapped for standard scope bases (typically Weaver or Picatinny). Check the receiver — many also accept Talley one-piece or Warne quick-detach rings.