Marlin Trapper Series Model 1894 – 10mm Auto, 16.1" Stainless (70453)

This is the first lever-action rifle ever chambered in 10mm Auto. Ruger's Marlin launched it in October 2025 alongside Hornady's LEVERevolution 10mm ammunition, and it fills a gap that has been sitting open for decades: a compact, stainless, threaded lever gun that shares a cartridge with a serious defensive pistol. Ten rounds, a 16.1" cold hammer-forged stainless barrel threaded 5/8"-24, Skinner Sights front and rear, black laminate furniture, and 6.3 pounds total. Marlin model 70453, UPC 736676704538.

Why 10mm in a Lever Gun Makes Sense

The 10mm Auto is a genuinely powerful cartridge that most people only ever shoot from a handgun. Put it in a 16.1" barrel and it gains meaningful velocity while staying easy to shoot — and if you already carry a 10mm sidearm, you now have a rifle and a pistol on one cartridge. That's the classic lever-gun-and-revolver logic, updated by a century.

Important: Marlin states this rifle reliably feeds a wide range of 10mm Auto factory ammunition but is NOT compatible with .40 S&W cartridges. Do not attempt to run .40 S&W through it.

Trapper Configuration

Marlin's Trapper Series was, in their words, "conceived by hunting and fishing guides in Alaska... short, quick-handling, and optimized for hunting or protection from dangerous animals." That means a 16.1" barrel, a 33.25" overall length, a slim forend, and an oversized lever loop that Marlin specifies as providing "clearance for operation with heavy gloves" — which tells you exactly what conditions they had in mind.

Skinner Sights, Front and Rear

The rifle wears Skinner Sights — a blade front and an adjustable receiver-mounted peep. A receiver peep sits close to the eye, which makes it fast and forgiving, and Skinner makes some of the best aperture sights available. This is a factory sight setup most owners won't feel any need to change.

Stainless and Threaded

• Cold hammer-forged stainless barrel, matte stainless finish, 1:16" twist.
• 5/8"-24 threaded muzzle with a factory-installed thread protector.
• Receiver, lever, and trigger guard plate CNC machined from stainless steel forgings.
• Black laminate buttstock and forend with sharp checkering, a soft rubber buttpad, and sling swivel studs.
• Push-button cross-bolt safety plus the traditional half-cock hammer.
• Offset hammer spur included.

Marlin Model 1894 Trapper Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I shoot .40 S&W in it?
No. Marlin states explicitly that it is not compatible with .40 S&W cartridges. 10mm Auto only.

Is it really the first 10mm lever action?
Yes — Ruger's October 2025 announcement calls it "the first ever lever-action rifle chambered in 10mm Auto."

Is the barrel threaded?
Yes — 5/8"-24 with a thread protector installed.

What makes it a "Trapper"?
The short 16.1" barrel, receiver-mounted adjustable peep sight, threaded muzzle, oversized lever loop, and slim forend. Marlin describes the series as conceived by Alaskan guides for short, quick handling.

What other calibers is the 1894 offered in?
.357 Magnum, .44 Rem Magnum, .45 Colt, and 10mm Auto. The 10mm exists in exactly one 1894 — this one.

All firearm purchases must ship to a licensed FFL dealer. Manufacturer specifications are subject to change without notice.