Model 94 Marlin 25-20

D

dale54

Plastic

Joined

Nov 12, 2007

Location

southern michigan

• Dec 21, 2013

• #1

Have some questions about a family gun. The gun is a Marlin model94 25-20m.
First question is in reference to the caliber size of 25-20m. Does the "m" refer to a Marlin cartridge?
Would this be a black powder or smokeless powder cartridge. Any other information you might feel would be of value would be appreciated.

 

M

maynah

Stainless

Joined

Mar 24, 2005

Location

Maine

• Dec 21, 2013

• #2

The M does denote Marlin, but it is the same as the 25-20 Winchester. It could have been black or smokeless powder.
You can shoot modern .25-20 Winchester ammo in it if the gun is in good shape.

 

aametalmaster

Diamond

Joined

Jan 11, 2005

Location

Salem, Ohio

• Dec 22, 2013

• #3

Do you have any pics of your gun? I am restoring a 1905 Mod '94 and it was a .32-20 but will be a .25-20 due to that the only octagon barrel i could find...Bob

 

M

maynah

Stainless

Joined

Mar 24, 2005

Location

Maine

• Dec 23, 2013

• #4

Until Dale's pics show, here's my Marlin 1894 in 25-20 M. This was a really nice special order gun when it was new, pistol grip, takedown, deluxe wood, beach front sight, tang rear sight, checkered, octagon barrel. I especially like the "S" curve on the end of the pistol grip.

 

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T

Tim338

Aluminum

Joined

Feb 13, 2013

Location

Brooklyn, Mi

• Jan 7, 2014

• #5

That is a nice rifle.

 

D

Dulltool17

Plastic

Joined

Sep 12, 2013

Location

Western NC

• Jan 7, 2014

• #6

Amen to that!

I really love the octagon barrel.

 

A

ahall

Stainless

Joined

Aug 4, 2004

Location

OK, USA

• Jan 8, 2014

• #7

The designation 25/20 means 25 caliber, 20 grains of black powder. This is typical of cartrages developed before smokeless powders came on the market. Smokeless loadings were developed for most popular BP cartrages, and the 25/20 is no exception.

25/20 is a good canidate for reloading.
New brass should be availble if you hunt around and reloading data is published in most manuals.
If you cant find it I beleive 32/20 can be reworked in to a 25/20 case.
Velocities will be low enough for cast lead bullets.


I was told that 32/20 was once made in both "rifle" and "pistol" loadings and the pressures were different.
I would not be suprised to encounder the same for the 25/20.
I would read reloading book carefully and verify that the loads were approprate for the arm I was useing.

 

KB3AHE

Stainless

Joined

Jul 17, 2012

Location

Baltimore, Md.

• Jan 8, 2014

• #8

Interesting! I have an old 25-20 up in the gun cabinet. It is a Remington model 25 pump action in fairly descent shape. I haven't shot it since I was a young kid since ammo has become unobtanium. I think there is stil about a 1/2 box of it around here somewhere. It was left to me by my late stepfather. He loved that thing!

Frank

 

M

maynah

Stainless

Joined

Mar 24, 2005

Location

Maine

• Jan 8, 2014

• #9

Remington and Winchester both still make 25-20. It may be out of stock, but they still list it.

 

D

Dulltool17

Plastic

Joined

Sep 12, 2013

Location

Western NC

• Jan 8, 2014

• #10

ahall- I believe you are correct-32-20 was available in both rifle and pistol. I have my Grandfather's S&W 1906 hand ejector, for which I load. I'd love to get a Win 1892 or Marlin in 32-20, but they are really pricey. And I'm very sure your load advice is well worth paying close attention to...I'd never go with a full load in the S&W revolver. 32-20 or 25-20-- both require the loader to exercise sound judgment.

Doug