Make: Marlin Firearms Co.

Model: No. 27-S

Serial Number: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: 1911-1932

Caliber: .25-20 Marlin

Action Type: Pump-Action, Fed by Magazine Tube

Barrel Length: 24” Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel (the bead is broken). The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight. The top of the receiver has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes. The left side of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for a receiver sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with straight grip, straight comb, steel crescent buttplate, and 9-groove slide handle. The LOP measures 13 1/2" from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. There are scattered handling marks. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

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 9/10.

Overall condition: This rifle retains about 35% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows general operation wear, finish loss throughout all parts, and mottled patina and oxidation. There is finish loss on the tangs and thinning on the leading edges. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: 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: This rifle comes with 1x 50rd Box of Winchester .25-20 Win.

Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 27-S is a classic example of early 20th-century American ingenuity, offering a compact, slick-operating pump-action platform chambered in the now-vintage .25-20 Marlin. Manufactured between 1911 and 1932, the 27-S combined the ruggedness of a slide-action with the accuracy and power of a centerfire cartridge, making it a favorite among small game hunters, trappers, and rural marksmen. The rifle’s 24” octagonal barrel, crescent steel buttplate, and grooved walnut slide handle give it the unmistakable look and feel of a true period utility rifle, while its modest weight and fast cycling made it practical in the field.

This example shows honest wear from age and use, retaining about 35% of its original blued finish, now mottled with patina and light oxidation. Still, the mechanical condition remains strong, and the bore is remarkably clean and sharp, rating 9/10—an uncommon trait in rifles of this era and caliber. The wood is in solid shape, with only minor marks consistent with age and no structural issues. For fans of vintage slide-action rifles, collectors of Marlin firearms, or those simply seeking a well-loved classic with character and shootability, this C&R-eligible 27-S is a charming and increasingly scarce find.