advertisement
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
advertisement

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.

advertisement

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

advertisement

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

Standard Popup

Outdoor Lifestyle Doesn't Get Better than This

Join the other 240,000 outdoorsmen and sign up for our weekly emails to get the latest content, sneak previews, INSIDER updates, and more!