Marlin Firearms

The History of Marlin Firearms

Born in 1836 in Connecticut, where he served his tool and die maker apprenticeship, John M. Marlin later worked for the Colt manufacturing plant in Hartford, Connecticut. He began manufacturing his own line of revolvers and derringers and in 1870 began the Marlin Firearms operation in New Haven. Breakthrough models were created by the outstanding team of inventors he amassed, and two of those designs, originally built in the 1890s, are the oldest models still in production today. Today's Model 39, originally Model 1891, the lever action 22 repeater, was Annie Oakley's favorite firearm to use in exhibition shooting.

The business was bought out by a syndicate in 1915 and became one of the largest machine gun producers worldwide for the US and its Allies. After the WWI it skittered downhill and in 1923 went on the auction block. Purchased in 1924 by Frank Kenna, a lawyer, for $100.00, The Marlin Firearms Company has been owned and operated by the Kenna family ever since. In 2000, Marlin bought the assets of H&R 1871, Inc., a Massachusetts manufacturer of guns and rifles. They market their products under the brand names of Harrington & Richardson and New England Firearms and are the largest manufacturer of single shot shotguns and rifles in the world.

Wild Bill Cody and Annie Oakley Used Marlins

Some very impressive historical figures favored the Marlin brand. William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, the circus exhibition shooter; Tom Mix, the first cowboy movie hero; and Captain Hardy, who loved his Marlin 1897, are just a few of those who thought the Marlin firearm was the best available. During the First World War, Marlin made improvements upon the Colt-Browning machine gun and manufactured this firearm for the military. The aircraft model was engineered to be fired through the propeller of the plane and the tank model was employed on some of the first tanks ever used in war.

The Model 336A - Originally Model 1893

The Model 336A Rifle is the offspring of the original Model 1893, which was produced more than 100 years ago. True to its original design, this classic 30/30 centerfire rifle has a 6-shot tubular magazine and a trademark 20 inch Micro-Groove barrel. You can buy this one with a factory-mounted and bore-sighted scope. It has many of the same features as the 336C, but for less money.

Model 336C

The rugged, accurate and dependable pistol-grip carbine, which has become one of North America's most popular rifles, is the Model 336C. It has a flat, solid top receiver and the safety is hammer block style. Finished in American back walnut, which is made even more beautiful with fine cut checkering, this beauty is available in 30/30 Winchester or 35 Remington, the one favored by many hunters.

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