New to me .38-55 Marlin

[Walkingeagle]

Hi all,
Recently bought myself an old classic, a Marlin 1893 .38-55 marked For Black Powder. She’s a six digit s/n (39xxxx) and from my research was made in 1909-1910. The records are somewhat scarce for these models within this date range. Necessary loading accessories are on order and should be all assembled by the end of April. I am very much looking forward to loading with black and tweeking to optomize. Might just take an elk with it this fall…
Anyhow, I will post some pictures once it is fully in hand. Should be middle to end of next week.
Walk

 

[Don Nelson]

Awesome I would love to get a 38-55. I have a model 1894 Marlin built in 1904 chambered in 38-40. Not sure about it for whitetail but would love to hunt with it. Mine is not marked for black powder only.

 

[Harleysboss]

Sounds like a fine old piece. I’ve got a Winchester Canadian Centennial 94 that started life as a 30-30. The octagon barrel was begging to be a 38-55. JES rebore in Oregon made it such. Fun and accurate cartridge. Enjoy.

 

[Walkingeagle]

Sounds like a fine old piece. I’ve got a Winchester Canadian Centennial 94 that started life as a 30-30. The octagon barrel was begging to be a 38-55. JES rebore in Oregon made it such. Fun and accurate cartridge. Enjoy.

That is awesome sir! Man an I ever looking forward to playing with this ol’girl!’
Walk

 

[snapbang]

Not sure about it for whitetail but would love to hunt with it.

Don, not the same but I have taken 4-5 deer with a 357 mag.(158g handloads) All were broad side shots and I had complete pass through. The only thing I say is dont expect spectacular results. That is after the shot the deer will run as if you missed it. ( on a broadside anyway ) Then they will stand there momentarilly before tipping over. But all died within 80 yards. My experience anyway.

 

[10acres]

Nice find. My 38-55 is a 1982 Marlin Texan 30-30 that was rebored by JES.

 

[Dave James]

That's a great round,had a marlin 335 octagon 32 inch barrel reviews to it but asked for .375 instead of the original .377, 255 gas checked lead a little powder aittle filler and she was good to go,managed to take deer,hogs and one bear with it.Hioe you enjoy it as much as I did mine. .and in a pinch I used 375 winchest and 30-30 brass to fire form for brass just trim up ragged edges they worked great

 

[gle3105]

Walkingeagle, As shooters the vintage Marlin 1893’s beat 1894 Winchesters hands down. Speaking of my experiences. I’ve owned a good many of both.
Bore sizes on Winchester run large. Like .384 ~ .385.
The Marlins I found were generally spot on .379.
I owned some Grade B Black Powder rifles but never shot them. So sorry I can’t help with that part.
I did shoot some BP subs. loads out of my “Special Smokeless Steel” models. Though.
My understanding is the rifling is the same for both types. Just the BP model has softer steel.
You are correct in dating vintage Marlins can be difficult since they ran consecutive serial numbers in all their models being manufactured.
Then a fire destroyed a lot of the records.
Per records.
BTW. 26” Grade B in 1909~1914 sold for $12.15 rd bbl. $13.15=octagon.

I have one 1893 remaining in 38/55 which is a takedown , half octagon.
It’s a gray gun, but it shoots incredible. And it is an honest piece and tight. Excellent bore.
Here in WV we have a late date Heritage Deer Season for sidelocks and long bows.
I would like to see a iron sight lever action only deer hunt as well. Would be great for vintage Marlins.

Best shooting,

Greg

 

[gle3105]

BTW, serial 13x,xxx

 

[Walkingeagle]

A very early girl!!
Walk

 

[Don Nelson]

Don, not the same but I have taken 4-5 deer with a 357 mag.(158g handloads) All were broad side shots and I had complete pass through. The only thing I say is dont expect spectacular results. That is after the shot the deer will run as if you missed it. ( on a broadside anyway ) Then they will stand there momentarilly before tipping over. But all died within 80 yards. My experience anyway.

I was thinking it would work but expect a tracking job might be needed. 50 yards and under for shots and only perfect broadside shots. I have lots of other guns I want to hunt with so no rush to try it.

 

[user 23626]

My .02 worth. I also have a first year Marlin 36 Jes rebored to 38-55 {375} and is absolutely my best cast lead gun. Also a '93 SRC bought online that was not near as good shape, bore wise. as the seller had suggested. Jes rebored it to 35/30, a true 358 cut rifled bore and also a great lead gun. He said it was one of the first "wildcat" conversions for shot out BP rifles back in the day. I have a '93 that was sent back to Marlin and a early '36 30/30 bbl to replace the BP damaged one. Finally I have a '94 SRC 38/40 and Matching Ruger Super to match. Hell, the more I write, the more blessed I feel ! I live in the midst of good elk country and would not hesitate to use any except the 38/40 with a GC RNFP cast for Elk, 'Lope and deer within a reasonable distance.

 

[gle3105]

38/55 got alot more umph regardless BP or cf over 38WCF & like.
Kills of course depend on shot placement. Then comes in the type of bullet.
Every shot on game ought to be the best possible placement of course.
If your Marlin shoots well ( and so do you ) don’t let 50 yds be the limit.

 

[user 23626]

38/55 got alot more umph regardless BP or cf over 38WCF & like.
Kills of course depend on shot placement. Then comes in the type of bullet.
Every shot on game ought to be the best possible placement of course.
If your Marlin shoots well ( and so do you ) don’t let 50 yds be the limit.

Agreed. As to the most big game taken throughout modern American history, I think the 30/30 is still the king. Trader

 

[gle3105]

Off the OP but couldn’t resist.
I’ve shot a good many 38/40.
Got these and some others. A couple 1889 Marlins and 1873 Oct .

 

[user 23626]

Off the OP but couldn’t resist.
I’ve shot a good many 38/40.
Got these and some others. A couple 1889 Marlins and 1873 Oct . View attachment 20697

My first love was a Colt SA BP in 38/40 like the one on the left. Gifted by my step grandmother. Step father was living alone in OK and convinced me he needed it for protection. It was his side of the family heirloom so I gave in. He was a heavy drinker and probably ended up in a Pawn shop in OK. Loved the man. Pardon my ramblings but gettin' old you have more time to reminisce...Trader

 

[Don Nelson]

38/55 got alot more umph regardless BP or cf over 38WCF & like.
Kills of course depend on shot placement. Then comes in the type of bullet.
Every shot on game ought to be the best possible placement of course.
If your Marlin shoots well ( and so do you ) don’t let 50 yds be the limit.

I was imposing the 50 yard limit for myself with the 38-40. That is if I even hunt with it.

 

[user 23626]

I was imposing the 50 yard limit for myself with the 38-40. That is if I even hunt with it.

I agree. I did take a doe 'lope at about 60 yds with a Win '73 rifle. Kept running about 50 yds then rans out of gas in plain sight....Trader

 

[Walkingeagle]

Well she arrived. Bore looks very good, possibly some throat erosion. Previous owner said its been shot with factory smokeless fodder, however mostly carried. Said “it’s likely been carried well over a few thousand miles of hunting within his family”. She does show her age, and has a few honest scars as a result of those miles, but overall she is good. Action is nice and tight.
Anyhow, here she is…

 

[Walkingeagle]

Oh, and I suspect the butt stock is not original. Appears a different wood and the fit is not perfect.
Cory