The Return of Marlin's Dark Series Lever-Action Rifles

Sturm, Ruger & Co. brought the famed Marlin Firearms Company and its line of traditional lever action rifles back into the light in 2021 after Marlin filed for bankruptcy. The firm’s famous Model 1895 45-70 was the first to return after going out of production in 2020. This was followed up by the pistol-caliber Model 1894 and the legendary Model 336 in .30-30. Now, Ruger is bringing back the Marlin Dark Series Model 1895.

marlin 1895 dark series loading gate view — The Marlin Dark Series is relaunching with the Model 1895 in .45-70. [Marlin Firearms Company]

Quick Specs:

Model: Dark Series Model 1895
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Capacity: 5+1
Safety: Crossbolt
Sights: Ghost-ring rear and front fiber optic with tritium ring
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 35.5 inches
Weight: 7 lbs.

In April 2019, Marlin introduced the original Dark Series rifles, which brought their proven lever-action designs into a more modern and customizable era. After a brief hiatus, the Dark Series is back. New for 2023 is the Dark Series Model 1895. It is the same bear-busting .45-70 that has been around for ages but with enough flexibility to be a viable homestead defender.

model 1895 dark series marlin — Like the original, the Dark Series 1895 has a five-round tubular magazine hiding under the protection of the M-Lok handguard. [Marlin Firearms Company]

The Dark Series 1895 features a fixed polymer buttstock with an adjustable cheek rest to keep your face from wearing the recoil of the .45-70 round. That is balanced by an 11/16×24 threaded muzzle brake designed to keep the rifle level shot after shot. Instead of the usual checkered walnut fore-end, the Marlin Dark Series uses an M-Lok handguard with plenty of slots to attach a weapons light or any number of accessories. To top it off, the ghost-ring rear sight and tritium front are accompanied by a generous section of Picatinny rail that allows the use of a close or forward-mounted optic so the 1895 can be set up as either a hunting or scout-type rifle if desired.

The Dark Series 1895 has an MSRP of $1379 and is shipping now. Marlin states that Dark Series versions of the Model 1895 and Model 336 are forthcoming in spring 2024.