NRA's Annual Meetings & Exhibits is typically a time when firearms manufacturers announce or launch new products, because they know that NRA Families will have a chance to see those guns in person at the show. It's like Christmas in May for those of us who enjoy the shooting sports, and today we're unwrapping the Marlin Trapper Series Model 1895 equipped with Magpul ELG furniture.
What's interesting about this lever-action rifle is that it has three parents: Marlin, Ruger and Magpul. It may seem like an odd throuple, but the 1895's unique DNA is thanks in large part to Ruger's acquisition of the brand. The Trapper Series Model 1895 is styled after Ruger's original Trapper Series rifle, but with a new Magpul Industries ELG stock and forend.
Yes, the forend is polymer, and yes, that's better than wood for this gun's purpose. Constructed of reinforced polymer, the ELG furniture is durable and impervious to even the worst weather. Designed to be functional and attractive, the stock and forend are M-LOK and QD attachment capable, so you can hang and mount whatever aftermarket optics or lights you may desire.
That's not where the Magpul inheritance ends, either. The interior of the stock features an integrated storage compartment that holds six additional rounds, should you need them. The rifle ships with a length of pull spacer kit that, once installed, can increase the length of pull up to 1 1/2" (in 1/2" increments). Also included is a cheek riser kit for better sight alignment when using an optic.
Chambered in .45-70 Govt., this rifle features a 16.17", cold hammer-forged barrel with a 1:20" twist. The threaded barrel (11/16"-24), comes with a match-polished thread protector and will accommodate common muzzle devices.
The stainless steel receiver, lever, magazine tube and barrel feature an attractive non-glare, satin finish and black hardware to give the rifle a distinctive appearance. Torx screws make disassembly and assembly easy and add to the modern features.
Perfect for quick target acquisition, the upgraded Skinner Sights™ sight system features a 6.25" Picatinny-style rail with an adjustable rear peep sight, and a Bear Buster front sight. Machined to exacting standards, this durable, no-snag system offers users the option of either open sights or a rail-mounted optic. MSRP $1,649; MarlinFirearms.com.
