RugerShooting

Marlin Mad Pig Model 1894 First Look

Our first look at the Marlin Mad Pig Model 1894 reveals custom-style upgrades and .357 Magnum power.

Marlin Mad Pig Model 1894 First Look

The Marlin Mad Pig Model 1894 is a lever-action rifle with factory features usually reserved for top custom builds.

Marlin’s newest lever action, the Mad Pig Customs Model 1894, is a premium rifle chambered in .357 Magnum and developed in collaboration with Mad Pig Customs and Midwest Industries.

I love the tactical upgrade on the classic lever action. My first 20 rounds suggested a fine hunting and home-defense option. We have lots more shooting and a full review to come shortly. And this new rifle might just overtake my Marlin Dark that was used on Hook & Barrel's first Lights Out video series.

a quartering view of the new Marlin Mad Pig Model 1894

Marlin Mad Pig Customs Model 1894 Specifications

  • Model Number:
  • 70924
  • Caliber:
  • .357 Magnum
  • Capacity:
  • 8
  • Receiver, Lever and Trigger Guard Plate:
  • CNC Machined Alloy Steel
  • Barrel and Receiver Finish:
  • Magpul OD Green Cerakote
  • Barrel:
  • Cold Hammer Forged, 16.10’’
  • Barrel Threading:
  • 1/2’’ – 28
  • Barrel Rifling:
  • 6 Grooves, 1:16’’ RH
  • Stock:
  • Midwest Industries Aluminum Stock w/Mad Pig Customs Grip Panels
  • Front Sight:
  • Midwest Industries Elevation Adjustable Steel Post
  • Rear Sight:
  • Midwest Industries Adjustable Steel Ghost Ring
  • Safety:
  • Cross-Bolt, Manual
  • Weight:
  • 7 lbs. 3 oz.
  • Overall Length:
  • 34.50”
  • Length of Pull:
  • 13.75’’
  • Suggested Retail:
  • $2,999.00
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Partner Upgrades Set the Marlin Mad Pig 1894 Apart

One of the first things I noticed in this Marlin Mad Pig Model 1894 first look were the Mad Pig Customs grip panel inserts and lever, plus Mad Pig’s Enhanced Takedown Screw for easy, tool-free field stripping and the company’s enhanced magazine follower.

Midwest Industries added the light but strong aluminum stock, M-LOK handguard and sights.

Of course, the foundation is the iconic Marlin 1894 lever action, featuring a cold-hammer-forged 16.1-inch barrel and a CNC-machined alloy steel receiver.

Both the barrel and receiver are finished in Magpul OD Green Cerakote, with the barrel threaded for a suppressor.

And don’t mind that scary $3K suggested retail price. In stores and online, the rifle will sell for much closer to $2,300.

Keep an eye out for my full test of this new gem, a nighttime hunt with me and the Marlin Mad Pig Customs rig in pursuit of wild Texas hogs!

READ MORE: Custom Heirloom Marlin 1894 Lever-Action Rifle

the author aiming the Marlin Mad Pig Model 1894

Editor's Note: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. officially announced the acquisition of substantially all Marlin Firearms assets on September 30, 2020. The production of Ruger-made Marlin rifles resumed in late 2021 and today includes innovation and collaboration with other firearms companies on some excellent guns.

READ MORE:RXM Review: What Happened When Ruger, Magpul, and Dead Air Joined Forces

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