Make: Marlin

Model: 1894CL "Classic" Ducks Unlimited Edition

Serial Number: 10062703

Year of Manufacture: 1990 / ATF Classification: Modern

Caliber/Gauge: .25-20 Winchester

Action Type: Lever action, tubular magazine

Barrel Length: 21.5"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel. There is a filled dovetail slot towards the receiver end of the barrel. The rear sight is a fully adjustable William's aperture sight mounted to the left side of the receiver. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece wood with a straight wrist grip, smooth forend, straight comb, and a textured synthetic Ruger butt pad. There is light wear present with scattered pressure dings and surface scratches. The stock finish shows light crazing on the buttstock. There is a Ducks Unlimited medallion set in the right side of the buttstock and the classic Marlin target on the bottom. This furniture rates in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp with light fouling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is minimal wear present with only a few minor blemishes. The markings are clear and complete. The screw heads show faint tooling and retain turnable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This rifle presents in Fine overall condition, retaining approximately 99% of its original finish. The metal surfaces are clean and evenly preserved with minimal handling evidence, and the JM barrel marking confirms manufacture during Marlin's highly regarded North Haven era. The Ducks Unlimited edition adds tasteful commemorative appeal while preserving the classic lines and balance that define the 1894CL platform.

Mechanically, the rifle is excellent. The bore rates 9.5 out of 10 with bright steel and sharp rifling, indicating very light use. The lever action functions correctly with smooth cycling and solid lockup, delivering the refined handling for which Marlin's pistol caliber carbines are known. The 21.5" barrel provides a graceful sporting profile and supports the mild, efficient .25-20 Winchester cartridge well.

Historically, the 1894CL was produced in limited numbers to revive interest in classic small bore and early smokeless cartridges, and the .25-20 Winchester chambering remains one of the more desirable options in the series. Ducks Unlimited editions were offered in comparatively small quantities and appeal to both Marlin collectors and DU enthusiasts. In this level of condition, with JM marking, strong bore, and correct mechanical function, this rifle stands as a highly desirable and collectible example of Marlin's late twentieth century lever action craftsmanship.