Marlin Model 1897

Marlin Model 1897
TypeLever-action rifle
Place of originUnited States
Production history
Designed1897
ManufacturerMarlin Firearms Company
Developed fromMarlin Model 1892
Developed intoMarlin Model 39
Produced1897–1922
No. built81,000
Specifications
Mass5 lb (2.3 kg) - 6.25 lb (2.83 kg)
Barrel length16 in (410 mm) - 28 in (710 mm)
Cartridge.22 Long Rifle, .22 short, .22 long
ActionLever-action
Feed systemtubular magazine

The Marlin Model 1897 is a firearm that was produced by Marlin Firearms.

History

The rifle was available between 1897 and 1922. It is also referred to as the "Model 97", the gun was redesigned as the "Marlin Model '97" in 1905.

In 1897, the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) was US$15.35.

It was speculated that 81,000 Marlin 1897 rifles were manufactured.

In 1997, Marlin manufactured a commemorative reissue of the firearm, with these versions dubbed the "1897 Century Limited".

Design and features

The Model 1897 improved upon the design of the Marlin Model 1892.

The Model 1897 is a lever action, takedown rifle. It was only manufactured in takedown models chambered for .22 rimfire. It is a .22 S L L R firearm, meaning that it is chambered for .22 rimfire rounds, and is interchangeably able to fire .22 Long Rifle, .22 long, and .22 short. It uses a tubular magazine. Full-length models hold ten rounds of .22 Long Rifle, twenty rounds of .22 long, and twenty-five rounds of .22 short. Half-length models hold ten rounds of .22 Long Rifle, twelve rounds off .22 long, and sixteen rounds of .22 short. It has a hexagonal barrel.

The Model 1897's weight ranges between 5 lb (2.3 kg) and 6.25 lb (2.83 kg). Its barrel length ranged between 16 in (410 mm) and 28 in (710 mm). It is equipped with iron sights, featuring an open rear sight paired with a bead front sight. Standard to the gun is a plain straight-grip stock. However, versions are available with a pistol grip stock.

Among the variants produced was a compact "bicycle rifle" version with a 16-inch barrel. Only 216 versions of that variant were produced.

Influence on later firearms

The Model 1897's design influenced the Marlin Model 39, which ultimately evolved into the Marlin Model Golden 39A.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Sadowski, Robert A. (2024). Gun Trader's Guide, Forty-Sixth Edition. New York: Skyhorse Publishing Company, Incorporated. p. 1218. ISBN 9781510781399.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Crawford, Scott (July 23, 2021). "The History of the Marlin 1897 Rifle". 1895 Gunner. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
  3. 1 2 Metesh, Logan (October 3, 2025). "Marlin Model 1897 Century Limited: Tribute to a Rimfire Icon". Collector's Elite Auctions. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  4. 1 2 "Marlin Model 1897 Lever Action Rifle". NRA Museums. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  5. 1 2 "Marlin Model 1897 from 1906 - Vintage Rifle Restored by Turnbull". Turnbull Restoration. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  6. 1 2 "LOT #2264: (A) RARE 16" Marlin Model 1897 Lever Action Bicycle Rifle". Morphy Auction. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  7. ↑ "Lot 2073: Rare Antique Marlin Model 1897 Special Bicycle Rifle Rare Antique Marlin Model 1897 Special Bicycle Rifle". Rock Island Auction Company. February 25, 2016. Retrieved March 12, 2026.