The Marlin 1894 Guide Gun is a lever-action rifle chambered in .357 Magnum and .38 Special. It has an 18.63-inch blued steel barrel and a 9-round capacity. The stock and handguard are black laminate, and the rifle ships with an adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight and a hooded brass bead front sight. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Marlin 
• Model: 1894 Guide Gun 
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special 
• Action: Lever Action 
• Capacity: 9+1 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 18.63 inches 
• Color/Finish: Black (blued steel, black laminate) 
   

Detailed Features 

• Lever-action operation chambered for .357 Magnum and .38 Special 
• 18.63-inch blued steel barrel 
• Black laminate stock and handguard 
• Adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight with hooded brass bead front sight 
• 9-round tubular magazine

Owners of the 1894 Guide Gun in .357 Magnum consistently highlight the dual-caliber compatibility as its most practical attribute. Being able to cycle .38 Special for practice and .357 Magnum for field use from the same rifle is a well-regarded feature among lever-gun enthusiasts.

The black laminate stock gets a divided response. Some owners prefer it for durability and weather resistance over traditional walnut; others feel it diminishes the classic lever-action aesthetic. The semi-buckhorn sight picture suits iron-sight shooters, though opinions on the brass bead in bright light conditions are mixed.

The 1894 Guide Gun sits at a mid-to-upper price point for lever actions, and post-Ruger-era Marlin quality draws attention in nearly every discussion. Most buyers who have handled current production report good fit and function, but the brand's reputation for consistency from unit to unit still prompts some caution before buying without inspection.