{"id":824,"date":"2024-01-18T23:42:29","date_gmt":"2024-01-18T23:42:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=824"},"modified":"2024-01-18T23:42:30","modified_gmt":"2024-01-18T23:42:30","slug":"back-in-black-marlin-1895-dark-series-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=824","title":{"rendered":"Back In Black: Marlin 1895 Dark Series Review"},"content":{"rendered":"<div> <!-- image --><\/p>\n<div class=\"td-post-featured-image\">\n<figure> <noscript><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload entry-thumb\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-review-feature-768x480.jpg\" alt=\"Back In Black: Marlin 1895 Dark Series Review\" title=\"Back In Black: Marlin 1895 Dark Series Review\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Marlin Dark Series 1895 is a fast-handling and good-shooting rifle suitable for big-game hunting anywhere in the world.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-author-tests-out-the-marlin-1895-dark-series-a-45-70-gov-t-lever-action-with-a-tactical-twist\"><strong>The author tests out the Marlin 1895 Dark Series, a .45-70 Gov\u2019t lever-action with a tactical twist.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>If you want to get opinions on rifles, go to a deer hunting camp. As I\u2019m writing this, I\u2019m sitting in a deer camp at the Lowrance Ranch in Truscott, Texas. This is mostly flat, open country, and you\u2019d expect those who live, work and hunt this ground to be partial to a bolt-action rifle chambered for a flat-shooting cartridge. Given that, you might be surprised what the ranch hands there said about the Marlin Dark Series 1895 when I showed them a picture of it.<\/p>\n<p>I limited these deer hunting cowboys to a one-word description of the Dark Series 1895. One old timer, who\u2019d just showed me a photo of his pride and joy lever gun\u2014a Winchester Model 71 chambered in 348 Winchester\u2014described it as the \u201cterminator.\u201d Another ranch hand\/hunter in a cowboy hat rambled something about a modern take on the lever gun, but when I pinned him down to one word, he called it \u201cawesome.\u201d Two other fellers agreed that \u201crugged\u201d was the best description for this rifle. These were experienced deer hunters, right?<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-first-some-history\"><strong>First, Some History<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>There\u2019s no question that the new Dark Series rifle from Marlin is a modernization of the traditional lever action rifle, but what exactly does that mean, and whether you call it \u201cmodernized\u201d or not, is all this modernization a good thing? To answer that, we have to go back in time a few years to 2019 when \u201c<em>Green<\/em>\u201d Marlin first introduced the Dark Series of traditional lever-action rifles.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-Dark-Series.jpg\" alt=\"1895-Dark-Series\" class=\"wp-image-292169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-Dark-Series.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-Dark-Series-300x113.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-Dark-Series-768x288.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-Dark-Series-696x261.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">New (post 2020) Marlin lever action rifles are made in Mayodan, North Carolina.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>First, and for clarification, \u201c<em>Green<\/em>\u201d Marlin describes the period when Marlin was owned by Remington. The new Ruger owned Marlins are \u201c<em>Red<\/em>\u201d Marlins, because when Ruger took over Marlin in 2020, they turned the Marlin logo Ruger red. And finally, the original North Haven, Connecticut, Marlins, are \u201c<em>Blue<\/em>\u201d Marlins to match the color of the logo when they were manufactured there. The 2019 <em>Green<\/em> Marlin Dark Series rifles were nothing more than an all-black version of the 336, 1894 and 1895 models, with an XS Sights lever rail installed.<\/p>\n<p>These guns were well received, but they were not enough to save Marlin\u2014or Remington\u2014from bankruptcy.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-2.jpg\" alt=\"Dark-Series-1895-2\" class=\"wp-image-292171\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-2-300x113.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-2-768x288.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-2-696x261.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-2.jpg\" alt=\"Dark-Series-1895-2\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-292171\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-2-300x113.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-2-768x288.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-2-696x261.jpg 696w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-details\"><strong>The Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The first rifle in the new <em>Green<\/em> Marlin Dark Series is the Model 1895, but Marlin says a Dark Series Model 336 and 1894 should be out sometime in 2024. The only similarity these new rifles have to the originals are the name, base model numbers, a half-cock hammer, the now common cross-bolt safety and their color. Marlin has substantially changed just about everything else, and these changes have altered the look, but more importantly the user interface.<\/p>\n<p>Probably the most notable modernization is the absence of a wood forend. In its place, there\u2019s a 135\/8-inch anodized aluminum handguard with M-Lok slots around its circumference. In addition to the multitude of M-Lok slots, on the front end of the handguard, there\u2019s two QD sling swivel sockets. The rifle is also fitted with a nicely contoured midsize finger lever, and the lever and bolt are finished in black nitride. The other important metal parts have a graphite black Cerakote finish.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-tripod-mount.jpg\" alt=\"1895-tripod-mount\" class=\"wp-image-292172\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-tripod-mount.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-tripod-mount-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-tripod-mount-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-tripod-mount-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-tripod-mount-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-tripod-mount.jpg\" alt=\"1895-tripod-mount\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-292172\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-tripod-mount.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-tripod-mount-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-tripod-mount-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-tripod-mount-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-tripod-mount-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The lever rail, as it\u2019s often called, substantially enhances the versatility of the Marlin Dark Series 1895.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The buttstock has also been modernized and is made of nylon-reinforced polymer, and it reattains the traditional shape. However, at the wrist, there are textured, removable grip inserts and a thick rubber recoil pad. The buttstock is dished out in the center where you\u2019ll find three M-Lok slots. At the top rear of the buttstock, there\u2019s a steel QD sling stud on each side, but this stud is also there to allow for the attachment of a polymer comb riser that comes with the rifle.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-stock.jpg\" alt=\"Dark-Series-stock\" class=\"wp-image-292173\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-stock.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-stock-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-stock-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-stock-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-stock-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-stock.jpg\" alt=\"Dark-Series-stock\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-292173\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-stock.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-stock-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-stock-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-stock-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-stock-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This snap-on riser for the comb on the butt stock of the 1895 Dark Series rifle raises the comb to allow for a good cheek weld when shooting with an optical sight.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The rifle\u2019s muzzle is threaded at 11\/16\u00d724, and it comes with a radial port break. But if you\u2019re like me and despise these noisy abominations, you can unscrew it and replace it with the thread protector that comes with the rifle. Just behind the muzzle break is a high-profile fiber-optic front sight that\u2019s encased inside a circle of Tritium for optimum visibility in low light. Further back on the barrel you run into the front of a 23-slot, 11\u00bc-inch rail that extends all the way back to the receiver where you\u2019ll find a fully adjustable ghost ring sight.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-muzzle.jpg\" alt=\"Dark-Series-muzzle\" class=\"wp-image-292174\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-muzzle.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-muzzle-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-muzzle-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-muzzle-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-muzzle-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-muzzle.jpg\" alt=\"Dark-Series-muzzle\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-292174\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-muzzle.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-muzzle-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-muzzle-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-muzzle-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-muzzle-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The rifle ships with a radial port muzzle break, but it can be easily removed, and a thread protector or suppressor can be attached.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-interface-maximized\"><strong>Interface Maximized<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Because user interface is so important to a rifle, let\u2019s delve into it. The buttstocks on traditional lever-action rifles and this new Dark Series are configured to best allow you to maintain a good cheek weld while using open sights. The problem comes when you mount a riflescope. This requires you to raise your cheek from the stock, and this complicates fast action and accurate shooting.<\/p>\n<p>To solve this problem with the Dark Series, Marlin has configured a snap-on polymer cheek piece that\u2019s held in place by the two QD sling swivel studs and the detent in the dished-out portion of the stock. This riser will allow you to get a good cheek weld when shooting a low-mounted optic.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-tripod.jpg\" alt=\"Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-tripod\" class=\"wp-image-292175\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-tripod.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-tripod-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-tripod-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-tripod-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-tripod-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-tripod.jpg\" alt=\"Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-tripod\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-292175\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-tripod.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-tripod-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-tripod-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-tripod-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-tripod-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">When was the last time you saw a factory stock traditional lever gun that could be so easily adapted to a tripod?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The sight\/optics rail also improves user interface. The integral ghost ring that\u2019s paired with the high-visibility front sight is ideal for snap shooting at close range. And the rail will allow for the mounting of a traditional riflescope, a scout scope or a variety of red-dot sights. I tested the rifle with a Leupold VX-Freedom intermediate eye relief scope mounted just so the ocular bell was forward of the ghost ring sight. With QD rings, this allowed for easy on and off and near immediate access to the open sights.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-scope-and-ghost-ring.jpg\" alt=\"1895-scope-and-ghost-ring\" class=\"wp-image-292176\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-scope-and-ghost-ring.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-scope-and-ghost-ring-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-scope-and-ghost-ring-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-scope-and-ghost-ring-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-scope-and-ghost-ring-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-scope-and-ghost-ring.jpg\" alt=\"1895-scope-and-ghost-ring\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-292176\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-scope-and-ghost-ring.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-scope-and-ghost-ring-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-scope-and-ghost-ring-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-scope-and-ghost-ring-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-scope-and-ghost-ring-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>The handguard also helps with user interface. It helps cut total rifle weight somewhat but more importantly its M-Lok compatibility allows for the attachment of a light or laser, which would be ideal for hunting feral hogs. I mounted a Spartan Precision bipod attachment to the bottom of the rail, which allows for interface with their excellent tripod or their super lightweight bipod.<\/p>\n<p>Up until now, this has been something that was very difficult to do with a traditional lever gun. I also liked the ability to attach a QD sling swivel to the handguard, and the fact that I could sling up tightly with a shooting sling without the point of impact shifting. This shift in point of impact is something that\u2019s common with traditional lever guns when you snug up tightly with a shooting sling.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-Dark-Series-45-70-govt.jpg\" alt=\"Marlin-Dark-Series-45-70-govt\" class=\"wp-image-292177\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-Dark-Series-45-70-govt.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-Dark-Series-45-70-govt-300x131.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-Dark-Series-45-70-govt-768x336.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-Dark-Series-45-70-govt-696x305.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-Dark-Series-45-70-govt.jpg\" alt=\"Marlin-Dark-Series-45-70-govt\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-292177\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-Dark-Series-45-70-govt.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-Dark-Series-45-70-govt-300x131.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-Dark-Series-45-70-govt-768x336.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-Dark-Series-45-70-govt-696x305.jpg 696w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Marlin\u2019s new Dark Series 1895 lever-action rifle in .45-70 Government.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nothing-s-perfect\"><strong>Nothing\u2019s Perfect<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s rare that I test a new rifle and like everything about it. This is partly due to my taste in rifles, but also partly because some rifles are just not made all that well. I\u2019ve tested every new Marlin rifle that\u2019s been produced since Ruger took ownership. Personal taste aside, I\u2019m confident in saying these <em>Red<\/em> Marlins are the best Marlins ever made. Still, I had two complaints with the new Dark Series rifle.<\/p>\n<p>The first was with the trigger. The triggers on all of the other <em>Red<\/em> Marlins have been somewhere between good and excellent, but the trigger on this rifle had just a little hitch right at the beginning of the press. From the bench, it was easy enough to manage but it did interfere a bit with off-hand shooting. It also broke right at 5 pounds. In my experience, this is the exception as opposed to the rule with these new <em>Red<\/em> Marlins. If it was my rifle\u2014and it just might soon be\u2014I\u2019d send it to Jerry Dove at Dove Guns for some trigger work. With just a bit of TLC, this trigger would be just fine.<\/p>\n<p>The other issue was with the snap-on polymer comb. First, it was a bit tedious to get the comb to snap in place. On the other hand, when installed it locked on solidly with no movement or shifting at all. However, while messing with it\u2014possibly a bit rougher than I should have been\u2014I broke off one of the flanges that holds the comb in place. Surprisingly, this didn\u2019t interfere with a solid fit, and Marlin had me another comb in the mail the next day.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-1.jpg\" alt=\"Dark-Series-1895-1\" class=\"wp-image-292179\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-1-300x113.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-1-768x288.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-1-696x261.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-1.jpg\" alt=\"Dark-Series-1895-1\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-292179\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-1-300x113.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-1-768x288.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dark-Series-1895-1-696x261.jpg 696w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-traditional-versus-modern\"><strong>Traditional Versus Modern<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Through the years, Marlin and even Winchester have tried to modernize the lever gun, usually with the introduction of new, flatter-shooting and harder-hitting cartridges, like the .307 Winchester or .308 Marlin Express. Though initially these cartridges created some buzz, they were by most measures, commercial failures.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-shooting-results-table.jpg\" alt=\"1895-shooting-results-table\" class=\"wp-image-292180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-shooting-results-table.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-shooting-results-table-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-shooting-results-table-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-shooting-results-table-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-shooting-results-table-747x420.jpg 747w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-shooting-results-table.jpg\" alt=\"1895-shooting-results-table\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-292180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-shooting-results-table.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-shooting-results-table-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-shooting-results-table-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-shooting-results-table-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1895-shooting-results-table-747x420.jpg 747w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Notes: Reported muzzle velocity (VEL), standard velocity deviation (SD) and muzzle energy (ENG) were established by firing 10 shots over a chronograph with the screens 10 feet from the muzzle, and the average accuracy was established by firing three, five-shot groups with each load from a solid rest at 100 yards. *Tested at 50 yards and excluded from average<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Admittedly, I\u2019m a lover of the traditional lever-action rifle and traditional lever-action cartridges. Also, admittedly, I don\u2019t think this rifle looks very traditional. However, I do think it\u2019s very well configured to appeal to the modern shooter or to any serious big-game hunter.<\/p>\n<p>The way Marlin has designed the new Dark Series rifle, it\u2019s ideally adapted to do anything a hunter could think about doing with a lever-action rifle in .45-70. In fact, it will allow a hunter to do things with a traditional lever action rifle that were nearly impossible before. I think the Texas cowboys I\u2019ve been sharing camp with are mostly right.<\/p>\n<p>This is an <em>awesome<\/em> looking and <em>ruggedly<\/em> built lever-action rifle, that in .45-70 is suitable for hunting and <em>terminating<\/em> anything on Earth. Now let us patiently wait for the Model 336 and 1894 Dark Series rifles. With apologies to AC\/DC, you could say these new rifles are \u201cback in black.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-specs.jpg\" alt=\"Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-specs\" class=\"wp-image-292181\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-specs.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-specs-300x131.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-specs-768x336.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-specs-696x305.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-specs.jpg\" alt=\"Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-specs\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-292181\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-specs.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-specs-300x131.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-specs-768x336.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marlin-1895-Dark-Series-specs-696x305.jpg 696w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p><em><strong>Editor&#8217;s Note:<\/strong>\u00a0This article originally appeared in the February 2024 issue of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/gundigestservice.com\/customer\/subscribe.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gun Digest the Magazine<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p><strong>Raise Your Lever-Action IQ:<\/strong><\/p>\n<li>The <strong><a style=\"color: green;\" href=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/article\/big-bore-lever-actions-steel-henry-45-70-is-golden\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Henry<\/a><\/strong> .45-70 Gov&#8217;t<\/li>\n<li>Evolution Of The Legendary <strong><a style=\"color: green;\" href=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/article\/enduring-legend-evolution-of-the-lever-action-rifle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lever-Action<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Cowboy 101: How To Run A <strong><a style=\"color: green;\" href=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/article\/cowboy-101-how-to-run-a-lever-action-rifle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lever-Action Rifle<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li>The <strong><a style=\"color: green;\" href=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/gun-reviews\/rossi-rio-bravo-the-lever-action-22-for-every-shooter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rossi Rio Bravo<\/a><\/strong> .22 Lever-Gun<\/li>\n<li>The Past, Present And Future Of <strong><a style=\"color: green;\" href=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/article\/lever-action-shotgun-past-present-and-future\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lever-Action Shotguns<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-19\" style=\"margin: 8px 0; clear: both;\">\n<div style=\"border: 2px solid #e5e5e5; padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"color: #333; text-align: center;\">Next Step: Get your FREE Printable Target Pack<\/h2>\n<p>Enhance your shooting precision with our 62 MOA Targets, perfect for rifles and handguns. Crafted in collaboration with Storm Tactical for accuracy and versatility.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter<\/strong> and get your downloadable target pack sent straight to your inbox. Stay updated with the latest firearms info in the industry.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- AI CONTENT END 1 --><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Marlin Dark Series 1895 is a fast-handling and good-shooting rifle suitable for big-game hunting anywhere in the world. The author tests out the Marlin 1895 Dark Series, a .45-70 Gov\u2019t lever-action with a tactical twist. If you want to get opinions on rifles, go to a deer hunting camp. As I\u2019m writing this, I\u2019m [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":825,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-824","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gun-reviews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/824","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=824"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/824\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":826,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/824\/revisions\/826"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/825"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=824"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=824"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=824"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}