“The ultimate authority…resides in the people alone…The advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation…forms a barrier against the enterprises of ambition.”
-James Madison
Firearms are more than a pastime for Americans – they’re a tangible link to our history. America was unique in her founding: after overthrowing the yoke of tyranny our forefathers, in a moment of spectacular selflessness, did not assume power for themselves and give in to natural ambition. They formed a country comprised of citizens and ensured they would retain the ability to resist oppression in the future, provide for their own welfare, and provide for their own personal security. No other nation in the world respects the God-given right of citizens to defend themselves like America does. American citizens don’t cling to guns as a way to explain our frustrations: we simply embrace the sacred duty to protect and provide for our loved ones. And we pass it down from generation-to-generation.
The history of America can be traced through the rifles of her eras. From the longhunter’s rifles that crossed the Appalachians, to the Hawken rifles of the mountain men, the muskets of the civil war, the lever actions and wheelguns of the west, the sporter rifles of the 20th century and to the modern sporting rifles of today, firearms have been a part of the fabric of American life. Since 1872 Marlin has been a consistent thread in that fabric…
Keeping History Alive…
This site aims to promote a small aspect of that history through education, information, and collector-focused details on Marlin’s smallbore firearms and early shotguns. As an avid collector and shooter, the author’s foremost interest is continuing to keep alive the ember of excitement surrounding some of the most accessible firearms of the late-19th and 20th century.
FAQs
Are you a dealer?
The author is not a dealer, but as a collector, he often buys, sells, or trades to shape his collection or add interesting pieces. If you see something that would fill a hole in your collection, take you back to your childhood, or be the perfect gift for that special someone, please contact us at the form below. Similarly, if you are looking to sell all or part of a collection, spare parts, or memorabilia we may be interested! Firearms we’re currently looking to discharge from the collection are listed on our online store.
Can you help me sell my gun?
We do not offer consignment sales. We take great pride our collection, and generally avoid selling firearms where we have not inspected, tested, and done necessary conservation work. The necessary fees would be very high to allow us to support consignment through this process. Additionally, as a collector and not a dealer, we routinely entertain trades as a way to mature the collection. If you are interested in selling directly, please contact us below!
Do you do gunsmithing?
Absolutely! But only on guns in the author’s personal collection, for now… In the future the goal is to expand gunsmithing to include services that would help keep old Marlins in the field, including detail cleaning, rust bluing, charcoal bluing, color case hardening, nickel plating, nitre bluing, checkering, barrel lining, chambering, wood finishing, stock replacement, caliber conversions, shotgun dent removal, bore polishing, choke conversions, and more! In the meantime there are a number of talented gunsmiths specializing in preservation and restoration – we recommend you avoid gunsmiths who do not specialize in antique restorations, as they can do more harm than good if the work is outside their wheelhouse.
Do you sell parts?
We’re slowly developing our own network of manufacturers to enable us to produce otherwise unavailable (or prohibitively expensive) replacement parts. Additionally, we’ve invested in some of the most modern technology to accurately manufacture parts that are otherwise unavailable on the market as an on-demand service. If you need a particular part that isn’t available, please contact us directly, we probably have the specs necessary to make the part for you.
Do you do appraisals?
For a small charge, I can provide a detailed assessment of collections of Marlin firearms for insurance coverage purposes, estate planning, etc. Please keep in mind that collections can be highly personal, and my value assessments are based on my assessment of the market value of the pieces within the collection, and is separate from any sentimental value. However, as a Marlin collector, I am better positioned to to understand the value of these rifles than a dealer who doesn’t specialize in this niche.
Are you a true 2A supporter?
I can’t count the number of people who assume I’m a ‘fudd’ just because I like classic American iron and taking to the fields with a vintage rifle. Let me dispel the rumors: I’m a 20+ year veteran of the US Army with multiple combat deployments. I’m a competitive shooter with experience in IDPA, USPSA, and 3-gun. I’m a second-amendment absolutist. I just like working on old common guns because those are the guns that the average American was buying and shooting during our Nation’s formative years.
How can I contribute?
We are thirsty for well written articles! We are also interested in reviewing and highlighting rare and unique specimens! Do you have a Marlin Model 32, or a Martel pump, or some other oddity? If so, we would love to know more about it! If you’re looking to donate I suggest giving time to a local youth-based organization! If there isn’t a local group then take someone to the range or your favorite hunting spot. If you can’t afford time and only have money, I recommend pointing your contributions towards NAGR, GOA, or CCRKBA.
What are you policies for sales?
Glad you asked – they’re too long to include here, but checkout the full policies here.