marlin 1895 new and improved by ruger. $1399

Truly we've seen the end of an era where a new Marlin 1895 sells for $700. On Gunbroker this morning I watched a NIB Marlin Dark 30-30 pass the $2500 mark in bidding! The regular working man (and woman) are being priced out of the guns we could once, just afford. As I wipe the tears from my eyes, let's take a quick look at the first Marlin levergun to leave the press under Ruger's ownership. (Note that this is the ONLY lever gun currently in production under the Ruger marque, others will likely follow.) It's a 19" barreled, polished stainless, full railed, ghost ringed, laminated stocked 45-70 with a threaded barrel. And it's a very handsome, shiny firearm. Personally I like blued steel with a straight walnut stock so I hope Ruger does not drop that classic "guide gun" iteration from the lineup. And of course we need the full line of 336's including the 336Y. And all the 1894's (including the Dark), please! New serial numbers will begin with "RM" therefore easily distinguishing it (in case the price didn't alert you) from previous manufacturers. The new place of manufacture will be marked "Mayodan, NC" on the barrel. It certainly looks like the new levers will have all the hallmarks of Ruger's engineering, fit and finish, which is good. The Marlin WEBSITE explains all this and lists this roundup of features:

• Receiver, lever and trigger guard plate are CNC machined from 416 stainless steel forgings.
• Barrel is made of 410 stainless steel and is cold hammer-forged which results in ultra-precise rifling that provides exceptional accuracy and longevity.
• Threaded barrel, with factory-installed thread protector, has a 11/16" x 24 pattern to accommodate a muzzle brake or other barrel accessories.
• Updated Picatinny rail provides a stable mounting surface for scope rings and a variety of modern optics.
• Ghost ring rear sight is adjustable for windage/elevation and tritium fiber optic, high visibility day/night front sight allows for quicker target acquisition in low light.
• Six-round, tubular magazine with a loading gate located on the receiver.
• Soft-rubber buttpad effectively absorbs recoil.
• Positive, push-button, cross bolt manual safety and traditional half-cock hammer.
• Reliably feeds a wide range of .45-70 Govt factory ammunition and bullet types.
• Durable, laminate buttstock and forend remain dimensionally stable in varying weather conditions.
• Sharp checkering provides an excellent grip in all weather conditions.
• Spiral-fluted, nickel-plated bolt aids smooth cycling.
• Oversized lever loop provides clearance for operation with heavy gloves.
• Slimmed-down forend for an attractive look and comfortable feel.
• Also includes: Sling swivel studs, offset hammer spur.

UPDATE: According to Ruger/Marlin closed door conversations, the Model 60 will continue, as will the 1894 in 357MAG and 44MAG. Allegedly the 1895 in 444Marlin will return, and all centerfire parts will be forged as opposed to cast. Finally, there will be no more micro groove barrels on centerfire rifles: instead Ruger will utilize it's cold hammer-forged process which will assure superior accuracy.