Marlin Model 32 & 38

A fine condition model 38 from the author’s collection. Earlier Model 32 rifles had a unique and distinctive rear sight that Marlin abandoned when they reintroduced the model following WWI
The Marlin 38 was one of the first cataloged firearms when Marlin reentered the sporting arms market following The Great War. Other models included the No. 20, Model 39, & Model 28.
Outers Recreation magazine, February 1922

A dramatic departure from Marlin’s signature style, the Model 38 was the reintroduction of Marlin’s first hammerless rifle and was featured proudly on the back cover of the 1922 Catalog. Originally produced as the Model 32 for a brief period in 1915 before production ceased to support the war effort, the renamed Model 38 was produced from 1922 until 1930, with approximately 20,000 rifles sold during that time. A neat rifle, the Model 38 separates by way of a small lever on top of the receiver which permits the stock to separate for disassembly or transport.

The 32 and 38 were covered by a wide array of patents that introduced a number of features, including an entirely new takedown feature (itself a dramatic departure from the design of the Model 1897 and No. 20), and a hammerless firing mechanism, among other upgrades and improvements. A repository of the patents can be found here.

An advertisement from August, 1915 for the Marlin Model 32. The Marlin Firearms Company was bought out later that year in an effort to build arms to support the war effort, and the 32 fell by the wayside.
Hardware and Metal Catalog, August 1915
The Marlin Firearms Corporation had only just been reformed from the ashes of the Marlin Arms Corporation after WWI, and the Model 38 was one of three smallbore rifles offered when the company relaunched, alongside the Model 20 and 39. The Model 38 and 39 were rebranded Models 32 and 1897, respectively. The model designator for the 20 was retained for a year before being rebranded as the No. 37.
Forest and Stream Magazine, December 1922

Available with either an octagon or round barrel, the Model 38 was not offered with the variety of customization options that had been available prior to their retooling for the war.

The Model 38 was a takedown design ahead of its time, and Marlin worked their best to promote the design feature.
Outdoor Life Magazine, June 1922
The Model 38 was priced squarely between the No. 37 and No. 39, with the octagon barrel demanding a slight premium.
T.W. Boyd & Sons Catalog, 1926

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