Marlin Mad Pig Customs Model 1894

The Mad Pig Customs Model 1894 is the first time Ruger-Marlin has shipped a lever gun with custom-shop tactical work done at the factory. Marlin partnered with Mad Pig Customs, a lever-action specialty shop whose stated mission is dragging lever guns into the modern age, to put parts and finishing that used to require a gunsmith onto a production rifle. The host is a .357 Magnum 1894 with a 16.1-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel and an eight-round tubular magazine (nine in .38 Special).

The modern hardware is the story. A Midwest Industries handguard in hard-coat anodized 6061 aluminum runs nearly to the muzzle with a full-length Picatinny top rail and M-LOK slots, and the Midwest Industries stock adds an adjustable length of pull, an adjustable comb, M-LOK, and QD points. Sights are a Midwest Industries elevation-adjustable front post and an adjustable ghost-ring rear. The muzzle is threaded 1/2x28 and wears an Angled Spade Technologies Scepter-PB radial-ported brake that doubles as a suppressor host, so the carbine is suppressor-ready with no barrel work.

Mad Pig Customs contributes the custom grip inserts, an enhanced lever and takedown screw for toolless field stripping, and an enhanced 7075-T6 aluminum follower with a Teflon coating. Every metal surface wears Magpul OD Green Cerakote. MSRP is $2,999, and the rifle is shipping now in limited numbers. This is a pistol-caliber lever built for home defense, trail and truck duty, and suppressed range work rather than the deer woods.