Marlin Model 1897
| Marlin Model 1897 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Lever-action rifle |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1897 |
| Manufacturer | Marlin Firearms |
| Produced | 1887–1922 |
| No. built | 81,000 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 5 lb (2.3 kg) - 6.25 lb (2.83 kg) |
| Barrel length | 16 in (410 mm) - 28 in (710 mm) |
| Cartridge | .22 Long Rifle, .22 short, .22 long |
| Action | Lever-action |
| Feed system | tubular magazine |
The Marlin Model 1897 is a firearm that was produced by Marlin Firearms.
History
[edit]The rifle was available between 1897 and 1922. It is also referred to as the "Model 97",[1] the gun was redesigned as the "Marlin Model '97" in 1905.[2]
In 1897, the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) was US$15.35.[2]
It was speculated that 81,000 Marlin 1897 rifles were manufactured.[2]
In 1997, Marlin manufactured a commemorative reissue of the firearm, with these versions dubbed the "1897 Century Limited".[3]
Design and features
[edit]The Model 1897 improved upon the design of the Marlin Model 1892.[4][5]
The Model 1897 is a lever action,[2] takedown rifle.[1] It was only manufactured in takedown models chambered for .22 rimfire.[4][5] It is a .22 S L L R firearm, meaning that it is chambered for .22 rimfire rounds,[2][6] and is interchangeably able to fire .22 Long Rifle, .22 long, and .22 short. It uses a tubular magazine. Full-length models hold ten rounds of .22 Long Rifle, twenty rounds of .22 long, and twenty-five rounds of .22 short. Half-length models hold ten rounds of .22 Long Rifle, twelve rounds off .22 long, and sixteen rounds of .22 short.[1] It has a hexagonal barrel.[3]
The Model 1897's weight ranges between 5 lb (2.3 kg) and 6.25 lb (2.83 kg). Its barrel length ranged between 16 in (410 mm) and 28 in (710 mm).[1] It is equipped with iron sights, featuring an open rear sight paired with a bead front sight.[1] Standard to the gun is a plain straight-grip stock. However, versions are available with a pistol grip stock.[1]
Among the variants produced was a compact "bicycle rifle" version with a 16-inch barrel.[6] Only 216 versions of that variant were produced.[7]
Influence on later firearms
[edit]The Model 1897's design influenced the Marlin Model 39, which ultimately evolved into the Marlin Model Golden 39A.[2]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Sadowski, Robert A. (2024). Gun Trader's Guide, Forty-Sixth Edition. New York: Skyhorse Publishing Company, Incorporated. p. 1218. ISBN 9781510781399.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Crawford, Scott (July 23, 2021). "The History of the Marlin 1897 Rifle". 1895 Gunner. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
- 1 2 Metesh, Logan (October 3, 2025). "Marlin Model 1897 Century Limited: Tribute to a Rimfire Icon". Collector's Elite Auctions. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
- 1 2 "Marlin Model 1897 Lever Action Rifle". NRA Museums. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
- 1 2 "Marlin Model 1897 from 1906 - Vintage Rifle Restored by Turnbull". Turnbull Restoration. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
- 1 2 "LOT #2264: (A) RARE 16" Marlin Model 1897 Lever Action Bicycle Rifle". Morphy Auction. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
- ↑ "Lot 2073: Rare Antique Marlin Model 1897 Special Bicycle Rifle Rare Antique Marlin Model 1897 Special Bicycle Rifle". Rock Island Auction Company. February 25, 2016. Retrieved March 12, 2026.