Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1897 Annie Oakley
Serial Number: AO-01175
Year of Manufacture: 1998 / Modern
Caliber: .22 S/L/LR
Action Type: Takedown Lever Action Rifle w/ Full Mag Tube
Barrel Length: 18.5" Octagonal, Micro-Groove Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall brass beaded blade with a serrated rear face that is dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn with a reversible U/V-notch leaf that has a white diamond aim guide which is dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for mounting an optic, none present.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece semi-fancy American black walnut with cut checkering, with a capped forearm, straight grip and comb, and a checkered hard rubber black Marlin buttplate. The Marlin "bullseye" is present in the belly. The wood shows no notable imperfections. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows a small spot of thinned finish on the lower tang from contact with the lever. Otherwise, there are no major imperfections. The finish is strong and complete throughout. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent - Like New condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This rifle is equipped with a push safety that blocks the hammer. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in its original Annie Oakley commemorative box with paperwork.
Our Assessment: Annie Oakley was an American sharpshooter who starred in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. Oakley developed hunting skills as a child to provide for her impoverished family in western Ohio. At 15, she won a shooting contest against experienced marksman Frank E. Butler, whom she later married. The pair joined Buffalo Bill in 1885, performing in Europe before royalty and other heads of state. Audiences were astounded to see her shooting out a cigar from her husband’s lips or splitting a playing-card edge-on at 30 paces, and she earned more than anyone except Buffalo Bill himself. This is a beautiful Marlin 1897 rifle to commemorate this legendary shooter. It retains about 99% of its original finish and the stocks are in excellent shape.
