The Marlin Arms name is well known within the firearms community for their
over a century old time tested designs. The Marlin is one of the top selling 22
long rifles on the market, number two only to Ruger Arms. Marlin firearms have a
strong following, especially in the cowboy action shooting market, where the
Marlin lever action rifles are still the best you can find.
Marlin rifles got their start in the small town of North Haven, Connecticut
in 1870 and have been continually making high quality firearms ever since.
During that time Marlin produced shotguns, rifles, revolvers, and even
derringers for the westward bound settlers of the gold rush era. Recently,
Marlin Arms was purchased by Remington Arms, which is speculated to bring the
most popular Marlin guns back to the forefront of the firearms industry.
The innovations of Marlin firearms was not limited to lever action. During
the 1950’s, Marlin was issued a patent for microgroove rifling, which can be
found in all the Marlin firearms produced after 1953. But Marlin Arm’s history
of innovations stems back as far as the American Civil War, when John M. Marlin
worked for Colt Arms. During that time John Marlin decided to start producing a
wide range of different firearms, including machine guns, which were used in
World War 1.
Since the dawn of the twentieth century, Marlin had not put bids on
government contracts, instead relying on their cult-like following. That
following has kept Marlin firearms afloat during the roughest of times. During
the great depression, Marlin was one of the few firearms still able to maintain
their operations, even though much larger government contracted firms were
falling behind. Marlin has always tried to produce high quality, affordable
firearms for the civilian market, many of which can still be found in any gun
shop across America.
Marlin firearms are some of the best known and iconic firearms in American
culture and they shown have no signs of their age. The market for Marlins might
have changed significantly, but the crucial factors are still found in every
firearm. More specifically the price point and the quality of the Marlin
firearms, sets them apart from any competitor. After the purchase by Remington,
many Marlin enthusiasts feared their favorite rifles were going to be changed.
Due to the fact Marlin’s firearms have reached a market that Remington was never
able to get a foot hold in, the chance of Marlin firearms disappearing is very
unlikely.
In my experience, I have found Marlin firearms to be some of the most
reliable firearms on the market, with a shockingly low price point. Also with
the steep rise in ammunition prices the Marlin 22 long rifle series have been
coming back in a whole new way, from first time firearms owners all the way up
to experienced firearms enthusiasts. No matter what type of long gun you are
looking for, the Marlin rifles have something for all walks of life, no matter
what type of shooter you are.