Make: Marlin Firearms Co.

Model: 1893 Saddle Ring Carbine

Serial Number: 198709

Year of Manufacture: 1900 / C&R

Caliber: .30-30 Winchester Center Fire

Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 20” Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a block behind the barrel band. The rear sight is a ladder sight which presents a fixed u-notch when down and a v-notch sliding leaf when up, dovetailed to the barrel. The top tang has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes for a tang sight, none present.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, and a steel carbine buttplate, and banded forend. The stocks have been sanded and refinished. The wood fits shy to the metal. There are no chips or cracks. There are light handling marks. The LOP measures 12 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has taken to a dark mottled patina with scattered wear. The stocks rate in about Good overall condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright and the rifling is defined though rounded. There is light erosion throughout the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its refinish. Parts have been treated with cold blue. Most of the finish has taken to a dark patina. There is erosion and pitting throughout along with scratches, nicks, and scuffs. The screw heads range from sharp to heavily tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are partial with most of the barrel markings lost to erosion. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair condition.

Mechanics: The hammer has a half-cock safety which does not hold. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This Marlin Model 1893 Saddle Ring Carbine, manufactured in 1900, reflects Marlin’s early adoption of the .30-30 Winchester cartridge and its commitment to strong, solid top lever action designs at the turn of the century. The 20 inch round barrel, saddle ring configuration, and banded forend place this carbine firmly within the working rifle tradition of the period, intended for hard use on horseback and in the field. Features such as the ladder rear sight and provision for a tang sight are consistent with contemporary preferences for versatility and practical accuracy during the transition into the smokeless powder era.

Condition is representative of a well used rifle that has seen extended service. The metal surfaces have aged to a dark patina with widespread erosion and pitting, and much of the original barrel marking detail has been lost. The bore remains serviceable with visible rifling despite light erosion. The stocks have been sanded and refinished and fit shy to the metal, yet remain intact with no structural cracks. The action generally functions, though the half cock safety does not hold. Overall, this Model 1893 presents as an honest early Marlin carbine that clearly illustrates the realities of frontier era use and survival into the modern day.