Marlin Firearms's press release announced a new addition to its Trapper Series: a Model 1894 lever-action rifle chambered in 10mm Auto.
What Was Announced
The rifle extends the versatility of 10mm Auto beyond its traditional use as a pistol cartridge. Marlin claims the rifle-length barrel delivers velocity increases of up to 250 fps over 10mm pistol loads, making it suitable for small-to-medium game hunting, self-defense, and plinking—particularly for shooters who already own 10mm handguns.
Key Details
- 16.17-inch cold hammer-forged barrel with threaded muzzle
- Stainless steel receiver, lever, magazine tube, and barrel with satin finish
- Receiver-mounted Skinner Sight system for quick target acquisition
- Upgraded fire control system with e-nickel Teflon-plated sear and improved sear notch geometry on the hammer
- Redesigned sear and trigger system to reduce trigger flop
Hornady is introducing LEVERevolution 10mm Auto ammunition alongside the rifle, loaded with a 150-grain FTX bullet. While engineered for lever-action rifles, Hornady notes the round will also work in revolvers and semi-auto platforms.
What It Means for Gun Owners
The Trapper Series Model 1894 in 10mm fills a niche for shooters seeking a compact, handy rifle that shares ammunition with their pistols. The trigger system refinements—particularly the elimination of trigger flop and improved sear geometry—address a known issue with lever-action triggers and may appeal to shooters looking for a smoother experience than previous Trapper models offered.
The threaded barrel allows for suppressor installation, expanding the rifle's utility for those in states where suppressors are legal.
Bottom Line
Marlin's entry into the 10mm rifle market gives owners of 10mm pistols another platform option. Whether the performance gains justify the shift from handgun to rifle depends on intended use and ammunition costs. Shooters interested in the platform should verify local and state laws before purchase, as some jurisdictions restrict lever-action rifles or specific cartridges.
