newby - need shopping tips for 1893 hex barrel please.

[DennisT]

Good help here solved my current 93 Marlin's troublesome take down. I appreciate the group.

With this one on it's way, I would like to think about buying my second ever Marlin 93. Can anyone recommend good reading for early Marlin lever history?

Here's what I'd like and it doesn't have to be perfect/like new because my retirement income isn't that good.

Full length rifle is fine. I'd love a hex barrel and cupped butt plate. Caliber is not important if certain ones bring lower prices. Currently I have a 32-40 which I don't mind and I'm willing to re-load. Another of same caliber would be fine.

I can deal with checking bore, crown and general condition. But I'm not sure how to proceed from there. I do make a lot of the Spokane, WA gun shows, but I'm always wary of merchandise.

I know this is a hard question I'm asking, but I'm trying to figure out where to begin.

Thoughts appreciated,
Dennis

[Ray Newman]

I think you're 'gonna hafta' pay big bucks for a hex (hexagon??) barreled Marlin. They are scarcer than hen's teeth....

[Cast Bullet Hunter]

I think you're 'gonna hafta' pay big bucks for a hex (hexagon??) barreled Marlin. They are scarcer than hen's teeth....

He's right, you'll do a lot better if you would settle for a rifle with an Octagonal barrel and crescent or rifle buttplate instead of a "cupped" one.

In the meantime buy a copy of this book: http://www.amazon.com/Marlin-Firearms-H ... 0811708772

[DennisT]

OK, 'ya got me. I used the wrong terms. I talk much better about No. 1 Enfields.... - I'm really new to Marlins.

Sure. Octagonal and crescent butt plate. Let's go with that.

I'm off looking for that book.

Dennis

[Cimarron Red]

DennisT,

A little pricey but here's a link to Wm. Brophy's book, Marlin Firearms: A History of the Guns and the Company That Made Them.

http://www.amazon.com/Marlin-Firearms-H ... 0811708772