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.

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

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.

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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!

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.