Marlin 1895 SBL Review
Lever-action rifles aren’t really given the credit they’re due for being versatile, functional platforms. Often seen as belonging to the realm of cowboy shooters and the back of grandparents’ closets, levers tend to get set aside for newer, cooler-seeming guns. In reality, the lever-action has a lot to offer, and one of the front-runners comes from Marlin. The Marlin 1895 SBL is a classic for a reason and one that’s enjoyed recent enhancements. Don’t have a lever? Here’s why you should get this one.
Marlin 1895 SBL
- Model 1895 SBL
- Manufacturer Marlin Firearms
- Caliber 45-70 Government
- Barrel Length 19.1 inches
- Capacity 6 +1
- Stock Gray Laminate
- Material Stainless Steel
- Finish Polished Stainless
- Front Sight High visibility tritium fiber optic
- Rear Sight Adjustable ghost ring
- Weight 7.3 pounds, empty
- Overall Length 37.25 inches
- Length of Pull 13.38 inches
- Thread Pattern 11/16”-24
- Barrel Cold Hammer Forged Stainless Steel
- Twist Rate 1 in 20 RH
- Grooves 6
- Bolt Spiral Fluted
Marlin 1895 SBL Background
Marlin has been in business since 1870 and the first 1895 lever-action rifle was advertised in their catalog in 1896. And while the finalized version of the 1895 was in production until around 1917, the modern variant we all readily recognize didn’t hit the market until the 1970s. Even that version varies from the model that’s being manufactured today. The most recent Marlin 1895 SBL went into production after Marlin Firearms was purchased by Ruger, and as a result the gun has a few minor changes in comparison to Marlins made when the brand was owned by Remington.
The modern Marlin 1895 SBL has only been back in production a few years, but it’s already proven to be a fantastically made gun. It’s made with impeccable attention to detail and strict quality control—basically, it might be the best Marlin that’s been made in decades. This model was closely followed by the re-release of the 1895 Trapper which is, for all intents and purposes, the same gun only with a shorter barrel. That makes sense because the 19.1-inch barrel of the SBL might be too long for some shooters while the shorter 16-inch barrel of the Trapper can be preferable.
Ways the newest Marlin 1895 SBL clearly differs from prior production runs:
- Manufacturer’s mark on the barrel now reads “Mayodan, NC.”
- There’s an “RP” proof mark on the lefthand side of the gun.
- All Ruger-made Marlins have serials with a prefix starting “RM.”
- The classic Marlin horse and rider logo is lasered into the stock on the bottom of the grip.
- The bull’s eye on the stock that was once black and white is now red and white.
Marlin 1895 SBL Features
1 Spiral-fluted bolt
Polished, spiral-fluted bolt for a smoother action and aesthetic appeal.
2 Picatinny Rail
Picatinny rail for quick, simple addition of whatever iron sights, red dots, or other top-mounted accessories you’d like.
3 Front Optic
Ships with tritium fiber front optic.
4 Threaded Barrel
Threaded barrel, making the gun suppressor and muzzle-device ready.
5 Smooth
Slim forend for increased comfort during use as well as overall lighter weight and easier maneuvering.
6 Loop Lever
Large loop lever for easy operation even while wearing gloves.
7 Improved Stock
Improved stock finish and checkered grip panels for a better grasp during live fire.
Marlin Model 1895 Trapper:
Marlin 1895 SBL – Our Take
With its greater overall length, the Marlin 1895 SBL is likely best-suited to defensive use and hunting. Yes, you can run a lever-action fast and accurately for self-defense purposes. This gun has run all manner of courses at Gunsite Academy in Paulden, Arizona, and even more drills at the range. It’s also performed well on hunts for feral hogs and whitetail deer in North Texas. While these levers were first made with the Wild West of the 19th century in mind, today’s levers are definitely capable of handling a broader variety of tasks. The 1895 is a classic and Ruger has done a wonderful job of further enhancing this rifle.
SHOOTABILITY
Thanks to the soft-yet-sturdy rubber buttpad on this rifle as well as its general design, the felt recoil of the 45-70 Government isn’t extreme. I’ve run guns in this caliber that produce far more felt recoil, but this one is about as soft-shooting as this big bore can be. It’s built for superior balance and natural pointability, making it a simple process to not only get on target accurately but re-acquire targets quickly. Muzzle rise isn’t extreme, either. Overall, the 1895 SBL is a joy to shoot.
ACCURACY
Another great thing about these Ruger-made Marlins is how accurate they are. The Marlin 1895 SBL is among the most accurate levers I’ve shot, and it continues to impress with extended use. You’re most likely to be deer hunting with this gun under 125 yards, and this gun can handle that with ideal precision. It also delivers great groups at 100 yards on paper, proving its accuracy is repeatable as opposed to being a one-hit wonder.
ERGONOMICS
The thinned-down forend of the Marlin 1895 SBL improves its ergonomics to create a rifle that’s easier for a variety of shooters who run well. Not only does the design of the rifle create a smoother, sleeker platform but it makes it quicker to maneuver and better for longer live-fire sessions. And thanks to the swivel studs that come standard, you can add a sling to make carrying it around easier.
VALUE
This Marlin does come with a somewhat higher price point, but it’s worth every penny. You want your lever-action rifle to cycle reliably, deliver consistent accuracy, and feel good against your shoulder—and this one does it all, and then some. It’s better to have one high-quality rifle than multiple lesser-quality guns and the Marlin 1895 SBL gives you the performance and longevity you’re looking for.
Marlin 1895 SBL: Pros and Cons
- Adaptable – Large loop lever is easier for larger or gloved hands
- Picatinny Rail – Picatinny rail means you can add optics right out of the box
- Classic – 45-70 Government is a classic, effective caliber
- Easy Suppress – Threaded barrel makes it easy to suppress
- Slow Cycle – Lever-actions do tend cycle more slowly than semi-autos
- Less Recoil – 45-70 Government does produce more felt recoil than other lever chamberings such as 30-30 Winchester
- Limited- Capacity is limited compared to semi-autos
Report Card | ||
Shootability | This rifle mounts smoothly to my shoulder and tucks into place securely. Factory sights get on target fast, the trigger has a nice, clean break, and the lever cycles smoothly. It’s highly shootable and delivers a performance overall superior to the average lever-action rifle. | A+ |
Reliability | Not only can I attest to this rifle cycling reliably but I’ve seen a dozen or more run beautifully at the range both in and out of high round-count classes. These guns are not ammo finicky. It’s clear attention was paid to the design of the bolt and chamber to ensure excellent feeding and cycling. | A+ |
Ergonomics | The ergonomics of the Marlin 1895 SBL are stellar as is the general design of the rifle. The slimmer forend makes it more comfortable to hold the rifle with my support hand and the buttpad fits nicely against my shoulder. Personally, I prefer these large loop levers because they have a nice, open feel when working the lever. | A |
Accuracy | You might be noticing all the As in this gun grade, and accuracy gets another one. It’s not just accurate, it’s precise, and it’s a gun you can trust to deliver a one-shot kill while hunting. And if you’re using it for home defense you can be sure it’ll be on target at closer ranges, too. Just take the time to learn point of aim versus point of impact with your rifle and chosen ammunition at varying ranges. | A |
Value | Worth it. You need one. Lever-actions are a lot more diverse than people realize and you can run this gun for home defense, use it as a truck gun, or go hunting with it. It’s also just plain fun at the range. And because it’s superior quality, you know it’s going to be reliable, accurate, and basically be the kind of gun you’ll be passing down to your kids and grandkids. | A+ |
Gun Deals
Searching the internet to find your favorite firearm can be a big task. However, we put together a list to make things simple. Check out the links below to figure out where you can find your own Marlin 1895 SBL.
Preferred Ammo for Your Firearm
A couple of options include:
Hornady LEVERevolution 45-70
Marketplace | Cost |
Guns.com | Varies |
Palmetto State Armory | Varies |
Buffalo Bore 45-70 Government
Marketplace | Cost |
Guns.com | Varies |
Upgrades and Accessories
Below are a few suggestions for things you might find helpful (or enjoyable) when shooting your Marlin 1895 SBL.
| Check It Out | ||
| Compare best earpro | ||
| Compare top kits |
Keep something in mind when choosing your accessories, upgrades, and furniture: apart from the basic necessities (e.g. a sling, a light, and possibly an optic), you should always budget time, resources, and money for training. All the “Gucci kit” in the world won’t help if you cannot run the gun effectively.
How to Care for Your Firearm
Whether you’re new to the Rifle platform or you just want to brush up on your fundamentals, check out this video breaking down the Marlin 1895 SBL.
Important Links and Manuals
Need more info on this firearm? Don’t worry. There’s plenty out there. We recommend you get started with the following resources:
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