Marlin 1894 25-20 varmint rifle 102 years old and still putting them down.

Bibbyman · April 12, 2019, 06:27:55 PM

I've had this old 1894 25-20 made in 1902 for over 40 years. It's a tac driver and sights right on. Since our dowg died, we've been invaded by groundhowgs. This old Marlin kept the population down last summer - accounting for a half a dozen. This spring brought in new invaders.

RRio · April 13, 2019, 05:54:48 PM

Great rifle. I'd be proud.

Bibbyman · June 26, 2019, 06:47:17 PM

Score one more for the old Marlin 25-20!

Earl Brasse · June 27, 2019, 09:14:16 PM

Nice looking rifle.

What load are you using?

Bibbyman · June 28, 2019, 03:15:41 PM

Quote from: Earl Brasse on June 27, 2019, 09:14:16 PM
Nice looking rifle.

What load are you using?

I'm sure the box of reloads are 30 years old and I didn't record the load. Jacketed soft point. Likely 60 gr Hornady.

Bibbyman · August 01, 2019, 07:12:19 PM

Good howg evening. Two up. Two down.

Bibbyman · August 04, 2019, 07:18:04 PM

I have upgraded the game. I bought a Marlin 17 VS in 17HMR and mounted a Simmons 22Mag scope on it.. First shot took out a big one.

DeaconKC · August 05, 2019, 09:28:51 AM

A fine pair of rifles! I almost picked up a set of .25-20 dies the other day at a LGS that were on sale. No rifle, just to have em "just in case..."

Desert Pete · July 22, 2020, 08:54:55 PM

old thread but I'm going to reply anyway

Deacon, I like the way you think.

My Marlin '94 is only a few years newer that bibbyman's.
No pics of the rifle but have one of the ammo:

spyder · October 18, 2020, 01:35:51 PM

Ooooooo! I just stumbled on this old thread.

I acquired a sort-of family heirloom old Marlin that is marked for 25-20, but was rechambered for, I believe, .255 Dean at some point in the last 110+ years since it was made. It also got wood from a newer 1894 at some point as well. Just yesterday I ordered some fancy dies and parts and bullets and I'm hoping I can make it work with the right ammo...

It fires 25-20 just fine, but it fireforms the cases and blows the shoulder way forward, so I'm hoping that with a neck size only die, and a modified seater, I can reload the formed cases. If I have to, I'll order a Vickerman inline seating die set up for 25 caliber. It'll be a fun project.
(attempts to add photos said that 400kb is max size...I'll have to reduce quality to crayon drawings and try again after work)

DeaconKC · October 23, 2020, 11:40:53 AM

http://www.sportingshooter.com.au/ask-uncle-nick/what-in-tarnation-is-a-256-dean
Hope this helps!

spyder · October 23, 2020, 11:05:33 PM

Yep, that's one of the few articles out there that mention it!

The only image I ever found of the thing, and then my fireformed brass next to a regular 'ol 25-20.