The New Marlin Dark Series
Efficiently Modern
Click the image above to read the full review at Field & Stream.
Some will undoubtedly look at the new Marlin Dark Series 1895 and comment that it is too “tactical,” or the it is just a way for Marlin to sale more rifles. Some might even say they’ve ruined the lever gun. I get it, I really do. There are few folks out there that appreciate the traditional lever action rifle as much as I do.
However, as futuristic as this new rifle might look, it is the rifle that Green — Remington — Marlin should have introduced in 2019 when the original Dark series was offered. You can read my full review of this rifle e at Field & Stream, but for now, let me say this:
What Marlin has done with their new Dark Series represents the most notable advancement to the traditional lever action rifle to date. Not only has Marlin lightened the rifle, they’ve substantially improved almost every facet of user interface. While it’s missing the fine-grained walnut and blued steel that has warmed hunter’s hearts, this is a rifle that will do anything any big game hunter wanting to use a traditional lever action rifle might want to do.
Oh, and yeah, this rifle shoots. I tested five loads and at 100 yards it would put five shots inside a snuff can with all of them.
I’m currently in deer camp in Texas, and I’m regretting I did not bring this rifle with me. However, the 30+ feral hogs that walked by my stand last night are probably glad I didn’t!