The History of Marlin Firearms
Today, the Marlin Firearms Company may be best known for its high-quality, small-caliber, semi-auto, and lever action rifles. But in its 150+ years of operation, Marlin has produced nearly every type of firearm, from derringers to machine guns, and has withstood two World Wars, the Great Depression, and several changes in ownership. Marlin firearms have been used for purposes like hunting, personal protection, and even war. The following dates are historical highlights of this influential company:
1870s: Marlin Begins Manufacturing and Acquires Ballard Rifle
John Mahlon Marlin, a machinist and former Colt employee, began manufacturing his own line of firearms in New Haven, Connecticut. Initially focused on single-shot pistols and derringers, he soon recognized the demand for more powerful and versatile firearms as Americans moved westward after the Civil War. This led to his acquisition of the rights to manufacture the Ballard rifle (originally a Civil War-era military rifle), which he refined and sold to civilian sportsmen and hunters.
1881: Model 1881 Launches Marlin into Lever-Action Rifle Legacy
The Marlin Firearms Company was officially founded. That same year, Marlin introduced the Model 1881, a large-frame lever-action repeating rifle chambered for big-bore cartridges. Its strength, accuracy, and reliability quickly made it a favorite among hunters and positioned Marlin as a key player in the lever-action market.
1891: The Birth of the .22 Rimfire Lever-Action Rifle
Marlin released the Model 1891, a smaller .22-caliber lever-action rifle with side ejection and a solid top receiver. This design was revolutionary at the time, allowing easier mounting of scopes and improved protection from debris. The 1891 laid the groundwork for future rimfire models and gained notoriety when used by legendary sharpshooter Annie Oakley in her exhibition performances.
1901: Leadership Passes to John Marlin’s Sons
John Marlin passed away and left the company to his two sons, Mahlon Henry Marlin, who became the president and treasurer, and John Howard Marlin, who became the vice president and secretary. They continued the company’s core goal of producing top-tier firearms.
1915: Wartime Production and the Marlin-Rockwell Era
During World War I, the company was reorganized as the Marlin-Rockwell Corporation after being purchased by a group of investors. Marlin shifted focus from sporting arms to military production, including the manufacturing of machine guns, gun mounts, and other armaments vital to the war effort.
1921: Model 39A Becomes a Rimfire Icon
Production of the Marlin 1891 resumed after a wartime hiatus and evolved into the Model 39. By the 1930s it became the Model 39A, a classic .22 lever-action rifle beloved by generations of American shooters. The Model 39A holds the distinction of being the longest continuously produced rifle in the world, a testament to its enduring popularity and solid engineering.
1948: Model 336 Modernizes the Marlin Lever-Action Rifle
Marlin’s successful Model 1893 design was modernized into the Model 336, featuring a round bolt, side ejection, and a solid-top receiver. The M336 quickly became a best-seller and remains one of the most popular lever-action hunting rifles in the world today.
1960: Model 60 Debuts as a Top-Selling Semi-Auto Rifle
Marlin introduced the Model 60, a semi-automatic .22 LR rifle known for its tubular magazine and user-friendly design. Affordable, reliable, and accurate, the Model 60 has become one of the best-selling .22 rifles of all time, with over 11 million units produced. It continues to be a favorite among first-time shooters and seasoned marksmen alike.
1972: Return of the Big-Bore with the New Model 1895
The company released the New Model 1895, reviving the name of an earlier big-bore rifle. This version was chambered in .45-70 Government and built on a beefed-up version of the M336 action. It gained popularity as a powerful guide gun for bear country and heavy game hunting, especially in Alaska and the American West.
2000s-2020: Legacy Models and Modern Bolt-Actions Endure Through Ownership Changes
Throughout the early 21st century, Marlin underwent several changes in ownership, including its acquisition by Remington in 2007. During this period, the company struggled with quality control, and no major new models were introduced. Still, Marlin classics like the 336, 1895, and Model 60 remained in production and maintained their devoted following. The company also continued producing popular bolt-action .22 rifles such as the Model 25 and the XT-22 series, which offered shooters reliable accuracy and detachable magazines for easier reloading.
Quick Tip: If you own a Marlin Model 780, 25, 20, or 80 and your new magazine doesn’t fit quite right, a simple fix could solve it. Watch our short video on how to adjust the side rivet or bottom plate to get a perfect fit and avoid common fitting issues.
2020–Present: Ruger Revives the Brand and Quality
In 2020, following the bankruptcy of Remington, Marlin was acquired by Sturm, Ruger & Co. Ruger committed to reviving the Marlin brand and restoring the craftsmanship that had made it famous. Production resumed in late 2021 with the reintroduction of the 1895 SBL, now manufactured with modern CNC machining and tighter tolerances at Ruger’s Mayodan, North Carolina facility. The reception from the firearm community has been overwhelmingly positive, with enthusiasts praising the improved quality and reliability.
OEM American-Made Hunting Magazines
With a legacy built on rugged dependability and precision, Marlin rifles have earned their place in American shooting history. At American Rifle Magazines, we proudly supply OEM-quality Marlin .22 magazines that match the craftsmanship and standards these firearms demand. Whether you’re feeding rounds into your classic Model 25 or dialing in tight groups with your modern XT-22 WMR, our detachable magazines fit perfectly and keep your rifle running smoothly.
Browse our full selection of Marlin magazines today and get the performance your rifle was built for.