The action of this model will take all cartridges varying in length from the empty shell as a minimum up to the standard cartridge as a maximum. Consequently cartridges with shorter bullets, whether so loaded to reduce the charge for short range work, or cartridges in which the bullets have settled down through various causes, will work through the a,ction perfectly, and shells loaded with round balls inserted below the muzzle of the shell can be used. Using the rifle as a single shot, cartridges larger than standard size may be used.
The rifle using the 25-36 cartridge permits a very extensive choice in loads, giving an arm which will take a cartridge varying from the light squirrel load, up to the cartridge with its charge of high pressure smokeless powder wad 117 grain bullet. The factory cartridge for this rifle is the 25-36-117 Marlin, loaded with 24 grains of Du Pont's 30 caliber smokeless powder and a metal pa,tched bullet with a soft lead point, 117 grains in weight. The veloc ity of the bullet is 2000 feet per second. The penetration as measured in dry pine board one inch in thickness, placed 20 feet from the muzzle of the rifle, is eleven and one-half boards. Penetration is not sought, because the bullet is made with a soft lead point to mushroom.
This is an exceedingly accurate cartridge and does fine work at a consider Ole range. It is an especially valuable cartridge in hunting, owing to the fact that with its high velocity and flat trajectory the necessity of making great calculations a,t the longer ranges is removed. For instance, with its high velocity it traverses 600 yards in a second, and it can be readily observed that it is not necessary to hold far ahead of running game, in order to bring it down, even if the game is at a considerable distance. Naturally the flat tra jectory is of great assistance in case there should be an error in estimating distance; for an error of 100 yards is not likely to prove very disastrous with this cartridge, while a much greater error can be Ina& without missing the game. For game up to and including (leer, this rifle is perfection. It is an extremely tine rifle for shooting geese, wild duck, etc., at long ranges. Figure 7, shows a target of 10 shots at 200 yards with a Marlin, model 1893, using the 25-36-117 smokeless U. M. C. cartridge. Target two-thirds of actual size.
The Marlin repeater, model 1895 is identical in system with the models 1893 and 1894, being merely the same rifle adapted to the larger cartridges. Con sequently there is no need of explanation as to system, strength and simpli city. The writer has no hesitation in claiming that this is the strongest and safest rifle 011 the market for these large caliber cartridges, and shoots safely and accurately, not only the standard black powder cartridges, but also the various smokeless powder cartridges made in these calibers. The rifles
are made to the same sizes and g,trages as the old Ballard and model 1881 barrels. The rifling is deep and clean, which not only, adds to the life of a bar rel but also renders it much more valuable for hunting puiposes. This model can be furnished in all the various styles, that is, with all lengths of barrel up to :12 inches; short, half or full nutgazine; straight and pistol grip; regular ;Ind take down. It is of superior finish and perfect balance. The barrels are all gracefully tapered, being large at the breech, thus giving extra strength where it is meded. The standard rifle with 26 inch barrel and full magazine, weighs but 8% pounds, an exceedingly light rifle for these cartridges. This model can be procured in take down form, Figure 8, in all of the usual styles, viz: round, octagon, or half octagon 1181.114; any length up to 32 inches; full, half, or short magazine; straight or pistol grip.
All the calibers of t his model, viz : t he .38-56, .40-65, .-10-70, .40-82, .45-70 and .-I5-90 have exactly the same action ; thus, We can have, by procuring extra barrel parts, as many as six take down rifles on one action. All of these cartridges can be procured loaded with shot, so with a smooth bore barrel part, which will interchange on the rifle, we can do very good ing at close range, and sometimes save carrying a shot gun as extra baggage.
This takedown repeater is furnished in models 1893 and 1894 also. Figure 9, shows the forward end of the receiver when the rifle is apart. Figure 10, shows the breech end of the barrel and magazine when the rifle is apart.
The union of the barrel portion to the frame in a Marlin take down contains exactly the same amount of metal, with exactly the same distribution, as in a rigid repeater. Consequently it must be just as strong. A simple and practical adjustment for wear prevents the joint from becoming loose or shaky even with the roughest usage. The cam lever is arranged to take up any wear and make a close union between thin barrel and frame. When the barrel is screwed into the frame the cam lever is then pushed in to make the connec tion tight. When the eam is pushed in tightly, a certain space is left to be taken up gradually if there should be any wear. Some sportsmen like the pro jecting end of the cam cut off so as to make the rifle flush at this point. In this case the cam is set down with the screw so as to be snug and remain just at the point up to where the cam has to be pushed to make the union solid. This obviates the necessity of touching the cam when taking the gun apart, as the barrel can be unscrewed and screwed up with the cam adjusted in this way.