While most folks think of Winchester when they think of the taming of the West, Marlin was the first to chamber the 45-70 in a lever action in 1881, while Winchester did not have a 45-70 lever action until the M1886. The M1881 Marlin 45-70 was well-used and thought of from coast to coast, and many were taken to Alaska in the 1898 gold rush. Unfortunately, Hollywood and novelists seem to only have heard of Colt and Winchester, and that’s robbed Marlin of much of the historical glory due it.

Ever since Ruger took over Marlin Firearms, people have wondered what they might expect. Well, rest your fears. When I picked up the 45-70 Marlin 1895 SBL at Reeves Ace Hardware in Clayton, Georgia (a big hardware store that doubles as a first-class gun and knife shop), I was very favorably impressed. Fit and finish were up to both Marlin and Ruger standards. The action worked perfectly, neither overly tight nor loose.

SPECS AND FEATURES

The test gun weighed exactly 7.25 pounds on my 1940s grocery scale. It measured 37 1/16 inches overall with a steel tape and had a 19-inch barrel. The laminated wood stock had a 13.5-inch length of pull over a solid black recoil pad and the trigger pull measured 7.5 pounds with a Lyman trigger pull gauge. The lever is bowed outward, which is a great help in the winter when you have gloves on. There is a large 3/16-inch aperture on the adjustable ghost ring rear sight which sits 20.5 inches from the high visibility front sight that features a fiber optic bead for low light conditions. Lever actions have always been famed for fast shooting in the timber and these sights are meant to give it a 21^st Century edge at that. There is a Picatinny rail to attach optics and the rail is long enough for either scout rifle scopes or conventional eye relief scopes. There is a safety on the side that blocks the hammer from hitting the firing pin when it is on. Lastly, the rifle comes with studs for the attachment of sling swivels.

SILENCER READY

The end of the barrel is covered by a thread protector, ready to accept a silencer. Silencers are increasingly popular even though they are covered under the NFA and require a $200 stamp tax and BATF approval to own. A good can serves to protect your hearing and those around you when hunting. A supersonic round like the 45-70 will never be quiet, but a good silencer can cut down the decibel level enough to offer a significant amount of hearing protection while hunting without hearing protection.

PROPER AMMO FOR SILENCER

If you really want a quiet experience with your 45-70, then try the subsonic 45-70 round made by Steinel Ammo company. They have a 730-grain WFN Subsonic long, flat-nose, gas-check, hard-cast lead loading that fires at 1000 FPS. The sound barrier is broken at 1100 FPS resulting in a sonic boom from the bullet that no silencer can stop, so this is as fast as you can go if you want to be quiet. With an 1895 spitting the 730gr WFN round just under the sonic boom range, the combination is a joy to behold!

PERFECT FOR ALASKA

The best thing about this new rifle is its stainless-steel construction and it’s laminated wood stock. As someone who has never let rain make me quit a day of hunting, I really appreciate that. It’s equally important for Alaska in the winter when guns are generally degreased and used without oil in the extreme subzero cold of the arctic and the subarctic. This is an ideal gun for Alaska with its big bears and moose. I’ve seen timber wolves in Alaska that certainly were big enough to warrant using a 45-70. Things grow big and dangerous in Alaska, and a fast handling 45-70 has always been a favorite among gun savvy sourdoughs.

Some of the men who have used both the .375 H&H Magnum and the 45-70 on bears rate them equally in stopping power. However the 45-70 lever action has much less recoil and is a lot faster firing. Instead of the up, back, forward, and down motion of a bolt action there is only the down-and-up motion of the lever. What’s more, most men take the bolt-action down off their shoulder or at least move their head back as the bolt throw comes back toward their eye. The short 3-inch bolt throw of the 45-70 Marlin lever action doesn’t come anywhere near your eye, so there is no tendency to pull your head back or drop the rifle from your shoulder as you work the action. Meeting a grizzly in the thick Alaskan bush at a range measured in feet instead of yards will help you truly appreciate the importance of a powerful, fast handling, rapid fire rifle.

While the stainless steel in the white blends in with the ice and snow of the far North in the winter, it tends to stand out in the months without snow (where a blued finish is preferable.) Stainless steel has always been able to take a blued finish and offering this as an option would appeal to many people. For the ultimate in corrosion protection, they could hard chrome plate the bore and black chrome or Teflon coat everything else. Around salt water, that extra protection to the stainless steel is definitely needed.

A 19TH CENTURY LONG RANGE CHAMPION

While not as flat shooting as cartridges from the smokeless powder era, the 45-70 is and always has been an excellent long-range cartridge. Believe it or not, Frankfort Arsenal was still loading 45-70 match ammo for the 1000-yard range at the National Matches in the 1920’s. You just have to know the range and allow for the trajectory. Previous generations learned to estimate range accurately while the modern generation use laser rangefinders for precise distance measurements for long range shooting.

LEVER ACTION MECHANICS

The Marlin mechanism is simple yet requires precise machining and timing to work. If the relationship of the cam surfaces of the cartridge carrier and the cam surfaces of the lever are not just right (and you have a magazine spring that is too strong) you end up with a round in the cartridge carrier and another round sticking out of the magazine, jamming the gun tight. To clear this jam requires removing the magazine tube plug and dumping out all the cartridges in the magazine tube. You now have a single shot rifle until a gunsmith experienced in lever-action rifles works on it. I had this experience with a new rifle made by another company some time ago.

In operation, the drawing down of the lever pulls the locking bolt down and shoves the bolt to the rear and extracts the fired cartridge case until the ejector knocks it from the gun. The hammer is driven back to the cocked position while space is made for the next cartridge from the tubular magazine to enter the cartridge carrier. Shoving the lever up tilts the cartridge carrier at the proper angle for the bolt to ram the cartridge home in the chamber. As the lever fully closes, the locking bolt is forced up into the bolt preparatory to firing. Pulling the trigger releases the cocked hammer from the sear so that it can hit the firing pin and fire the cartridge.

It is important to work the lever of a lever action rifle smartly so that the cycle is properly completed.

TEST FIRING

I had 200 rounds for test firing consisting of the following types:

• 20 rounds of Steinel Ammunition 730-grain hard-cast lead bullets at 1000 FPS
• 20 rounds of Steinel Ammunition 500-grain hard cast lead bullets at 1485 FPS
• 40 rounds of Steinel Ammunition 325-grain brass monolithic solids at 1740 FPS
• 20 rounds of Steinel Ammunition 300-grain JHP that clocked 1840 FPS
• 40 rounds of Remington Core-Lokt 405-grain at 1600 FPS
• 60 rounds of Hornady Leverevolution 325-grain FTX at 2050 FPS

Recoil was not bad at all. The rifle proved accurate and very fast on target. The sights may not the best for minute-of-angle shooting at 100 yards, but they are wonderful for fast hits on moving game when hunting, and this is a pure hunting rifle.

The 1895’s loading gate is not as sharp as it is on most lever actions. My thumb really appreciates that.

CONCLUSION

This rifle handles extremely well, and with its high visibility sights, it is very fast on target. It holds steady for accurate shooting, unlike some rifles that I have tested. This gun is faster than the traditional 30-30 and a whole lot more powerful. The extra weight keeps the muzzle steady during fast target acquisition and the modern sights are a big improvement over the 19^th Century traditional buckhorn sights. This rifle is an excellent choice for all American game from deer on up.

It is nice to receive a reality check every so often. What am I talking about? It is often assumed that only the most current weapons offer any real utility albeit sporting, tactical, hunting. I am going to refute this line of thought by highlighting a rifle conceived in the late 1800’s. It is every bit as viable today as the latest polymer/alloy creation. A weapon should be judged by the following criteria: handling, lethality, and firepower; not just by when it was created or how much it costs.

The rifle/cartridge combination I am going to utilize to make my point is the classic Marlin 1894 lever action chambered in 44 Magnum. The lever action is revered on this side of the Atlantic. It symbolizes so much in the American psyche. The lever actions’ use in Hollywood Westerns in the hands of John Wayne, Chuck Connors, and Steve McQueen made it an icon in the minds of the American gun culture. The true levers that “Won the West” were the earlier Models 1866 and 1873; nonetheless, any lever action is an indelible icon of Western mythology through its use in hundreds of motion pictures and television shows. The superb feel generated with the Marlin 1894’s minimal width and light weight (6.4 pounds) combined with near perfect balance and 10+1 capacity in a mildly recoiling package cannot be denied.

Marlin’s corporate history stretches back to the 1870s. Marlin produced arms for the U.S. military during WWI and WWII. More recent history involved becoming part of Remington in 2007. The Remington break up found Marlin being quickly snapped up by Ruger. Marlin rifles are now being made by Ruger at their Mayodan, NC facility. Whereas Winchester is most associated with lever actions, Marlin has been at it since 1881. Significantly, Marlin moved away from top ejection, finding the side ejection method with a solid top frame offered significant advantages in terms of strength, reliability, and, eventually, the ability to effectively mount optics as market advances made this the preferred sighting method.

Still Kicking

The Marlin 1894 Classic combined with 44 Magnum chambering makes for a very appealing, distinctive combination. No need to think that only a high-capacity detachable magazine rifle is the only solution for personal defense, hunting, plinking or a survival situation. It’s hard to fathom that anyone using the 44 Magnum Marlin 1894 is under-gunned or at a marked disadvantage when hunting deer-size game, taking a defensive posture, smacking random targets of opportunity, or pressed into a subsistence situation.

The 1894 will appeal to rifle lovers for its efficiency. There is an obvious love affair between the American gun consumer and the lever action. The lever action is an American icon. Users already familiar with the lever action and will appreciate the performance offered with the 1894 chambered in 44 Magnum. The 1894 lever action is smooth in operation emerging out of the box. A credit to Marlin/Ruger manufacturing techniques; positive functioning was never an issue. Marlin has fitted the handy Model 1894 with a 20.25-inch cold hammer forged barrel and measures 37.75 inches in total length. The 1894 is equipped with sturdy adjustable iron sights—classic “buckhorn” rear ladder style combined with extended front bead—and soft rubber buttpad to soak up recoil. The overall appearance of the 1894 is pleasing thanks to a blending of blued steel with a satin finish and checkered American black walnut buttstock and forend.

The Marlin 1894’s drilled/tapped solid top receiver was quickly taken advantage of by mounting a picatinny scope rail. It was decided to forego a low powered variable optic for handling reasons. After all we live in the age of the red dot. A quality red dot is an immediate performance enhancement over iron sights, especially with a longarm. A compact Meopta MeoSight IV was mounted. A closed emitter tube-style red-dot was considered, but discarded in an effort to minimize the size of the optic as much as possible. Plus, it would be a great test for the Meopta MeoSight IV mounted on a rifle and bouncing around in a UTV, four-wheeler or hiking through rough terrain. The Marlin 1894 benefitted from this optic selection by maintaining its great feel and ergonomics.

The MeoSight IV offers a 3 MOA dot within a 1.2-ounce package with 30,000-hour battery life. The 3 MOA dot certainly simplifies placing rounds on target. MeoSight IV has 120 MOA range of elevation and 120 MOA of windage adjustment. The illumination feature has a manual or automatic mode, and the brightness of the red dot is easily adjustable to five different intensity levels. The sight is powered by a CR1632 3V battery. The sight’s auto-off function preserves battery life by automatically turning the illumination off after four hours of continuous operation if the function button has not been touched. To understand how compact the MeoSight IV is, it mounts on handguns using a Docter adapter plate and comes with a Picatinny rail mount in the box for mounting as shown in our review.

Now A Word from Our Cartridge—The 44 Magnum

Formally introduced in 1956, the 44 Magnum was the result of years of handloading pushing the 44 Special to the max. The 44 Special, as well as other large caliber handgun rounds such as the 45 Colt, were being loaded with heavier bullets and pushed at higher than normal velocities by handloaders for better hunting performance than anything offered by ammunition manufacturers. Elmer Keith, a prominent writer and outdoorsman of the early 20th Century, is integrally linked with the development and introduction of the 44 Magnum. Keith advocated for a “44 Special Magnum” with a 250-grain hard cast bullet at 1200 feet per second. Ammunition companies were afraid of “heavy loaded” 44 Specials blowing older model revolvers apart. The answer was similar to the 38 Special/357 Magnum solution to the same conundrum. Keith asked for a new cartridge 1/10 of an inch longer than the 44 Special to preclude its being used in any old revolvers or any new models chambered in 44 Special versus the higher powered 44 Magnum.

For me, it was a plus that Marlin chose to go with the 44 Magnum as the model 1894’s first chambering. Though it is no longer the king in terms of pure power, the 44 Magnum is the established benchmark for pistol caliber hunting cartridges. Sure the 454 Casull, 500S&W and others surpass it terms of delivered payload, but all pistol calibers pay homage to the 44 Magnum by comparing themselves to it. Manufactures know that hunters and shooters are totally familiar with what the 44 Magnum brings to the table in terms of power. What better way to get across their own cartridges capabilities than by making comparing statements like “xx percent” more power than the 44 Magnum. Over the years, my favorite 44 Magnum loads have evolved into the Black Hills 300-grain JHP and Hornady LEVERevolution 225-grain FTX offerings.

The Black Hills 300-grain JHP never fails to remind of 44 Magnum power on both ends—butt and muzzle. Steel targets are totally gobsmacked when compared to other pistol caliber round effects. The Hornady LEVERevolution applies technology advancements to the 44 Magnum in terms of bullets and propellant. Spitzer-like Hornady FTX bullets offer better ballistics without fear of igniting rounds in the under-barrel tube magazine. New propellant powder composition increases velocity without surpassing accepting pressure standards, thus taking full advantage of the FTX bullet in flight design improvement all the while providing deep, driving, consistent expansion for terminal performance. The Hornady 225-grain FTX rounds are shoved at over 1700 fps from the 20-inch Marlin 1894 barrel.

Hammer Time

The Marlin 1894 Classic was tested initially from the bench for accuracy then evaluation progressed to barricades, fallen trees, and other obstacles to get a better appreciation of its handling and performance. The Marlin’s trigger pull measured 6 pounds and exhibited minimal creep before releasing. I was pleased by the accuracy offered by the Marlin 1894 44 Magnum. The Black Hills Ammunition, Hornady, and Winchester 44 Magnum loads kept most groups under 1.5 inches at 50 yards. This included bullet weights spanning from 200 up to 300 grains. It is valid to state the 1894 44 Magnum augments personal defense or sporting armaments beyond what handguns chambered in 44 Magnum could provide. This comes from its ability to maximize accuracy and terminal performance out of 44 Magnum loads. If a properly constructed bullet from a 44 Magnum souped up thanks to longer rifle barrel placed in the correct location does not do the job, then no cartridge will likely be successful either.

PERFORMANCE

Range evaluation consisted of a regimen made up of engaging multiple steel and paper targets, firing while moving and engaging targets from behind cover. My testing was conducted at Echo Valley Training Center. The Marlin 1894 proved way too accommodating digesting 44 Magnum ammunition rapidly. The layout and availability of various steel target and simulated barricades at Echo Valley Training Center is convenient allowing for full spectrum firearm evaluations. The Marlin 1894/Meopta combo proved more than capable of running steel plate rack targets 50 yards away. In fact, steel targets out to 200 yards away were not safe. The Meopta MeoSight IV allows accurate shooting while maintaining quick and easy target acquisition at close distances. Anecdotally, clay pigeons were routinely shattered at 75 yards.

Chronograph tests showed sizable velocity increase (300-400 fps depending on bullet weight/load) from the Marlin’s longer 20-inch rifle barrel compared to a typical revolver. The Marlin 1894 generated over 1,700 fps across the Caldwell Precision chronograph with 200-grain bullets and 1,400+ with 300-grain loads. Based on this, the 44 Magnum 1894 can be zeroed at 100 yards, creating a trajectory arc of approximately 1.5-inches high at 50 yards and 7-inches low at 150 yards. The 44 Magnum chambering should not dissuade users from the Marlin 1894 because of concerns of subpar performance compared to a “rifle” chambered cartridge and will not if given a rational chance.

It was decided to use Echo Valley Training Center’s “jungle walk” range for further evaluation by placing targets at random locations along meandering river bottom location. Each shooter would move along the “jungle walk” and engage targets as discovered as various ranges using field expedient firing positions. Overall, this proved realistic us of the of the Marlin, and, frankly, rather fun. The distinct sound of chunky 44 Magnum bullets smacking steel is gratifying. While by no means rivaling a semi-automatic for firepower, the M1894’s 10-round tube magazine was handy to recharge as needed based on firing rate. No malfunctions were experienced with empty brass ejected away matching the vigor with which the lever was worked. The Marlin lever action features a crossbolt safety selector that’s located on the rear of the receiver for extra peace of mind. The safety makes no audible noise when operating it. Recoil was not a factor with over 350 rounds fired during multiple trips to Echo Valley Training Center.

Never Underestimate Nostalgia

It is often assumed that only the most current weapons offer any real use or sporting utility. This is unfortunate in that it encourages people to think that weaponry is a substitute for mindset, training, and proficiency. The original Marlin 1894 at the end of the 19^th Century was the AR/AK equivalent of its day with its pistol caliber chambering and relative high capacity; would it be the optimum choice today­–of course not. However, this does not totally discount it capabilities or lethality. Whatever roles it is considered for, whether it is for hunting, personal defense, or sport, the Marlin 1894 Classic fits the bill.

SPECIFICATIONS

Red, white, and polished blue steel. The 4th of July is a celebration of freedom, and America’s freedom was forged through courage and gunpowder. We’re looking back at the top 25 American guns of all time, and the competition is fierce. Most of the featured firearms are offered in Rock Island Auction Company’s upcoming August Premier Auction, along with a few examples from past events.

Iconic American arms from every era will be featured in Rock Island Auction Company’s August Premier.

The Kentucky Rifle

One of the first truly iconic arms of America was pioneered by German and Swiss gunsmiths who immigrated to the Colonies in the 18th century. Popularly known as the Kentucky Rifle or Pennsylvania Rifle, the American Long Rifle allowed accurate shooting up to 200 yards or more, a decisive advantage to backwoodsmen while hunting in the western wilderness or sniping Red Coats during the Revolutionary War and War of 1812.

A John Armstrong Maryland Golden Age flintlock American Long Rifle, an extraordinary example of one of America’s best guns of all time. Available this August.

Colt Model 1851 Navy

A personal favorite of Samuel Colt, the Model 1851 Navy was one of the most prevalent sidearms on both sides of the American Civil War, even serving as the basis for numerous Confederate produced brass-frame revolver styles like the Griswold & Gunnison Revolver and the Leech & Rigdon revolvers. The sturdy sixgun’s impressive production numbers, widespread use on the American frontier, and status as the favored revolver for Western legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Cody, and countless early gunslingers elevate the 1851 Navy to one of best American guns of all time.

An exemplary cased, early factory engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver with extremely scarce gold plated grip straps. The Navy set the standard for countless black powder revolvers, earning a clear spot on any list of iconic arms of America. Available this August.

The Sharps Rifle and Carbine

The various models of Sharps rifles and carbines earned a reputation as iconic arms of America in the Civil War, the Old West, and in popular culture thanks to films like ‘Quigley Down Under’ and ‘True Grit.’  Produced from the Antebellum Era through the late-19th century and noted for their exceptional accuracy and reliability, the Sharps filled a key role during the Civil War when the Union purchased approximately 80,000 Sharps carbines and almost 10,000 rifles. Specially ordered Sharps rifles were famously fielded by the 1st and 2nd U.S. Sharpshooter Regiments (the Berdan’s Sharpshooters) to great effect.

A historic Sharps Model Model 1853 “John Brown Sharps/Beecher’s Bible” slant breech percussion carbine documented as shipped to abolitionist General Samuel C. Pomeroy in Kansas during the Bleeding Kansas period. For its role in revolutionizing sniping tactics, the Sharps rifle platform wins a nod as one of America’s best guns of all time. Available this August.

The Springfield Model 1861 Rifle-Musket

The Springfield Model 1861 rifle-musket became one of the most prolific Northern rifles issued during the Civil War, taking the field in quantity from 1862 onward, from Shiloh to Appomattox. With over 1 million being produced during the conflict by Springfield Armory and two dozen other firearm producers, the dependable .58 caliber rifle improved precision over infantry traditional musket. This percussion powerhouse finds a worthy spot on our list of America’s best guns of all time thanks to its role in winning the Civil War, protecting workers on the Transcontinental Railroad, and serving as the material platform for a line of Springfield breechloading rifles that would culminate with the 1873 Trapdoor.

An outstanding Civil War U.S. Springfield Model 1863 Type II/1864 percussion rifle-musket, the final iteration of one of the most iconic arms of America. Available this August.

Remington Rolling Block

Developed from the Remington “Split Breech” carbine, a Civil War gun designed to fire the same cartridges as the Spencer repeater, the Remington Rolling Block family became not just one of the most iconic arms of America but a popular longarm around the world. As the most widely used single shot military breechloader of the 19th century, the Remington Rolling Block’s service record is expansive. The gun was produced in a variety of calibers, both rimfire and centerfire, and its action was sturdy enough to easily accommodate the increased pressure of new smokeless powders hitting the market in the late 1890s.

An impressive example of one of the best frontier guns of all time, this Remington No. 1 Rolling Block long-range target rifle sold for $8,050 in RIAC’s May 2021 Premier Auction.

The Colt Single Action Army

The Colt Single Action Army revolver is a no-brainer inclusion for any best guns of all time list. Possibly the most famous firearm ever made, “Judge Colt and His Jury of Six” was first adopted by the U.S. Army in July 1873 and went on to serve as the choice sidearm for countless lawmen, cowboys, homesteaders, and desperados who came to define the American frontier. For 150 years, the Colt SAA has prominently appeared in dime novels, radio shows, film, and television, and today continues to represent the enduring spirit of the American West.

An Ainsworth inspected Lot Five U.S. Cavalry Colt Single Action Army revolver with a Kopec Gold Seal letter, a stunning early example of one of the most iconic arms of America. Available this August.

The Winchester 1873

A well-armed frontiersman carried a Colt on his hip and a Winchester over his shoulder. As the successor to the Henry rifle and the 1866 Yellowboy, the Model 1873 put the name Winchester on the map and went on to conquer the open range. Dubbed “the Gun that Won the West”, the Winchester ’73 became a symbol of freedom and self-determination on the American frontier. From movie sets to modern-day cowboy action shooting competitions, these iconic arms of America have stood the test of time.

An exceptional example of one of the best guns of all time, a special order deluxe Winchester Model 1873 rifle. Available this August.

Winchester Model 94

The Winchester Model 1894 hit the scene too late to see the height of the American Wild West, but the rifle certainly kept Winchester’s frontier legacy alive. The Winchester 94’s balance and slim profile made it a favorite walking gun for hunters, ranchers, and law enforcement who appreciated the power and reliability of Winchester’s .30-30 WCF smokeless cartridge. The classic lever gun’s accuracy, simplicity, and rugged resilience earned it a place in millions of gun racks across America. In terms of tried-and-tested hunting arms, the Winchester Model 94 is hands down one of the best guns of all time.

A pre-64 Winchester Model 94 carbine with its original box, an outstanding example of one of the most iconic arms of America. Available this August.

Smith & Wesson Military and Police and Model 10

What qualities should a model have to be considered one of the best guns of all time? Production numbers? Versatility? Fame? The Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police series checks all those boxes and more, remaining in continuous production for over a century and becoming the overwhelming favorite sidearm of countless police forces and militaries around the world. Later renamed the Model 10, this iconic revolver became the most produced wheel gun platform of the 20th century and a mainstay of nearly every police department around the country well into the 1980s. Now that’s an American success story.

As iconic arms of America go, it doesn’t get much better than a classic Smith & Wesson. This factory engraved .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 Fourth Change revolver sold for $4,025 in December of 2020.

Marlin Model 39A

The first lever action chambered in .22 LR, this classic Marlin went through a number of name changes over the last 132 years. Releasing as the Marlin Model 1891, the gun was redubbed “Bicycle Rifle” in 1897, then again renamed to Model 39 in 1922 before finally embracing its most famous iteration in 1939 in the Marlin 1939A.  As the longest continuously produced rifle in the world and the lever action Annie Oakley made famous, the Marlin Model 39A and its predecessors are undeniably iconic arms of America.

A scarce Marlin 90th anniversary Model Golden 39A rifle sold for $4,313 in December of 2021. As .22 rifles go, one of the best guns of all time.

Winchester Model 1897 Shotgun

One of the best guns of all time in terms of military shotguns, the Winchester Model 1897 shotgun was popularized as a sporting arm before finding a role during the Philippine-American War. In WW1, the Model 1897 was officially adopted as the U.S. “Model of 1917 Trench Shotgun” and modified with a bayonet lug, a heat shield, and a shorter barrel for maneuverability in the trenches of Western Europe. The shotgun and its slam fire heroics proved effective enough to earn a diplomatic protest from the Germans, who claimed that America’s use of trench guns caused “unnecessary suffering.”

The Winchester Model 1897 slide action trench shotgun earned a larger-than-life reputation in WW1 and has become one of the most iconic arms of America. Available this August.

1903 Springfield Rifle

Not all iconic arms of America were born in the Land of Stars and Stripes. Based on the German Mauser bolt action, America took the design and made it their own with the Springfield Model 1903 rifle. Initially chambered in .30-03, the rifle suffered from poor trajectory and excessive barrel wear. However, by chambering a lighter, spitzer bullet and a cooler burning propellant, a legend was born in the .30-06 cartridge, and battlefield and deer stand would soon feel the wrath of the mighty Springfield Model 1903.

One of the best guns of all time by sheer production numbers, the U.S. Springfield Model 1903 rifle is still widely fielded by shooters and hunters today. This rare example is equipped with the innovative 1918 Mark I Pedersen Device.

The Colt 1911

As the longest-serving military sidearm in American history, the legendary Colt 1911 pistol is going to find itself in any best guns of all time discussion. The brainchild of John Moses Browning, this .45-caliber magazine-fed semi-automatic pistol set a new design standard that helped the United States become back to back World War champs and continues to be carried by numerous American officers to this day. The M1911 design has been widely emulated, with few major changes made to the pistol’s internals over the decades, a testament to the gun’s exemplary performance record.

A scarce 1937 production Colt U.S. Navy contract Model 1911/1911A1 transitional semi-pistol. The 1911 pistol is easily one of the most recognizable and iconic arms of America. Available this August.

Browning Auto-5

John Browning was said to consider the Auto-5 his greatest achievement, a bold statement from the prolific gun inventor and more than enough to earn the famous “Humpback” a solid ranking among the most iconic arms of America. Browning’s 1903 recoil-operated design was a versatile workhorse for all types of fowling and target shooting. This sturdy scattergun continues to be fielded by the modern sportsman today and holds the title of second-best autoloading shotty of all time.

As the first successful semi-automatic shotgun, the Auto-5 should be considered one of the best guns of all time. The fantastic example below is a double signed, engraved and gold inlaid Belgium Browning Gold Classic Auto-5 with its original box. Available this August.

The Thompson Submachine Gun

In terms of cultural impact and a notable service record in WW2, Hollywood’s favorite gangster weapon merits consideration as one of the best guns of all time. Designed by John Thompson, the fully automatic Tommy Gun was completed too late to fill its intended role as a WW1 trench sweeper. The inventor subsequently marketed the weapon to everyone from law enforcement to ranchers, but the deadly submachinegun found an unexpected niche with organized crime. On the eve of WW2, the Thompson submachine gun was adopted by the U.S. military and employed by the British as well, with over 1.5 million of the new military-issued M1928A1 and M1A1 produced. This earned the weapon international recognition through German and Japanese propaganda posters that portrayed the U.S. and her allies as Tommy-toting gangsters.

From mafia to military to Hollywood, the Thompson became one of the most iconic arms of America. This fantastic example is a police documented Colt Thompson Model 1921 that includes a case and extra magazines. Available this August.

The M2 Machine Gun

A good portion of John Browning’s inventions have become iconic arms of American history, including the famous M2 Heavy Machine Gun. Affectionately dubbed “Ma Deuce” and “The Mother of All Machine Guns” by the troops who continue to rely on its .50 caliber firepower, this air-cooled, belt-fed behemoth has stood the test of time like few other firearms. As a U.S. military mainstay since the 1930s, the M2 has touched the battlefield in every major American conflict from WW2 onward.

One of the best guns of all time, this M2 machine gun lived up to its iconic reputation and sold for a stunning $94,000 in RIAC’s May Premier.

Ithaca 37

Hailed by many hunters as one of the best guns of all time, the Ithaca 37 shotgun is a legendary platform inspired by the ideas of John Moses Browning and John Douglas Pedersen. This pump action icon quickly found a market after its 1937 release and never looked back, becoming the longest continuously-produced shotgun in American history and earning a reputation as a versatile autoloader that was well suited for field, police, and military duty alike.

One of the most iconic arms of America in terms of longevity and adaptability, this USSF marked Ithaca Model 37 Special Forces trench-style shotgun highlights the platforms role as a military weapon. Available this August.

The M1 Garand

In the list of iconic arms of America during WW2, the M1 Garand might be number one. Fielded by millions of American GIs, General George Patton once hailed the rifle as, “the greatest battle implement ever devised.” The .30-caliber M1 Garand served as the standard U.S. infantry rifle from 1936 to 1959 and it continued to see use as late as the Vietnam War. From Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers to the Call of Duty video game series, few weapons can symbolize America’s valor in WW2 better than John Garand’s iconic rifle.

An exceptional WW2 U.S. Winchester “WIN-13” M1 Garand. For its role as WW2s most successful semi-automatic infantry rifle, the M1 Garand can be hailed one of the best guns of all time. Available this August.

The M1 Carbine

Another red-blooded American gun that complimented the M1 Garand’s high-volume fire, the M1 Carbine offered an effective firearm sized somewhere between a rifle and a pistol that was ideal for units like paratroopers, drivers, weapon crews, intelligence officers, and communications personnel who required a lighter burden. One of the best guns of all time thanks to its spectacular service history, the M1 carbine helped lead the United States to victory in Europe and the Pacific theater then went on to become widely owned and fielded after the war thanks to an abundance of WW2 surplus.

Winchester Model 70

If you’re widely known as the superlative bolt action rifle, chances are you’re going to make America’s best guns of all time list. Enter the Winchester Model 70. Widely dubbed “the rifleman’s rifle,” the Model 70 has gone through numerous changes and iterations over its nearly nine decades of production and is chambered to take everything from white-tailed deer to African dangerous game. The gun served the United States Marines as their precision rifle during the Vietnam War, famously fielded by Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock, who used the mighty Model 70 during most of his 93 confirmed kills. Today, the Winchester Model 70 continues to find favor with shooters and collectors, the latter preferring the desirable “Pre-64” production model.

One of the most iconic arms of America, the Winchester Model 70 is instantly recognizable to nearly every sporting gun enthusiast. This rare documented U.S. property marked Winchester Model 70 “Van Orden Sniper” rifle includes an 8x Unertl U.S.M.C. sniper scope and case and a CMP Certificate of Authenticity. Available this August.

Smith & Wesson Model 29

Elmer Keith and Clint Eastwood helped elevate the .44 Magnum Smith & Wesson Model 29 into one of the iconic arms of America. Elmer Keith had long been advocating for a more powerful version of the .44 Special cartridge. In 1955, Remington Arms introduced the .44 Remington Magnum cartridge, while Smith & Wesson delivered a revolver to chamber the beast. The S&W Model 29 found niche success with handgun hunters, law enforcement, and revolver lovers before launching into the stratosphere thanks to 1971’s ‘Dirty Harry.’ While this powerhouse pistol has been since surpassed by monsters like the .500 S&W Magnum, for a time Dirty Harry’s revolver truly was the most powerful handgun in the world.  

A Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 29-5 revolver from the Hank Williams Jr. Collection sold for $10,350 at RIAC in September 2021. For it’s power, aesthetic, and cultural appeal, the Model 29 family earns a nod as one of America’s best guns of all time.

Remington Model 870

With over 12 million in circulation and counting, the Remington Model 870 should be considered a candidate for any top 25 best guns of all time list. A shotgun known for its rugged reliability, the Model 870 has lent itself perfectly to every need over the last seven decades. Game wardens, duck hunters, police officers, and Vietnam Navy Seals have all shouldered the Model 870, and the gun is featured in nearly every modern film and TV show involving law enforcement, zombies, or action of any sort. One would be pressed not to find an example of this robust shotty in every town across the United States, and it continues to sell as the recently introduced Remington 870 Fieldmaster.

This example of a Remington Wingmaster 870 realized an astounding $38,188 in RIAC’s December 2021 Premier Auction, an impressive example of one of the most iconic arms of America.

The M60 Machine Gun

First issued in 1959, the M60 machine gun was an attempt to combine the firepower of the M1919 Browning with the relative mobility of the BAR. What resulted was one of the most iconic arms of America, a 23-pound belt-fed beast that could eat a ton of  7.62mm ammo and chew through anything down range. The M60 often found itself in the mud and muck during combat, and its relatively slow cyclic rate made this heavy hitter sound akin to a grunting boar. The Pig humped, sailed, and soared through Vietnam, Operation Just Cause, and the Persian Gulf War and continues to see service in specialized roles today.

Inspired by the German FG42 and MG42, the M60 became one of America’s best guns of all time. Available this August.

Marlin Model 60

For years, Marlin billed the Model 60 as “the most popular 22 in the world.” Whether that’s enough to also call this prolific semi-auto one of the best guns of all time is up for debate, but it certainly ranks as an American essential. Introduced in 1960, Marlin’s semi-auto .22 LR tack driver remained in production for six decades and was carried by generations of Americans who fell in love with its resiliency and ease of use. For target shooting, plinking, and small game hunting, the Marlin Model 60 is a true American classic.

Caleb Savant from Brownells shows off the Marlin Model 60, one of the most iconic arms of America.

The M16

Adapted from the famous ArmaLite AR-15 platform, the M16 offered an all-in-one battle rifle that could excel at both distance combat and close-quarter fighting. Though the refinement of the M16 was not without its hurdles, the rifle’s updates and successors soon stepped up to the challenges of modern warfare and became the longest-serving infantry long arm in U.S. military history, a contemporary defender of Lady Liberty, and one of the indisputably iconic arms of America.

Who doesn’t need a Colt M16A1 selective fire rifle in the 9 million serial range? Available this August.

Iconic Arms of America

While our top 25 list includes some undeniable American icons, there are countless gun models that could be considered legends in their field. For their historic influence, market success, or cultural impact, a few honorable mentions include the Colt Walker, the Hawken rifle, the Derringer, the Gatling Gun, the Winchester Model 1895, the Colt Detective Special, and the Winchester Model 21 shotgun, and examples of all these gun collecting cornerstones can be found at Rock Island Auction Company.

Perhaps the most influential non-firearm weapon in American history, the Bowie Knife carries a fascinating story in its own right. This rare Tillotson Sheffield patriotic “Gold Hunters Knife” Bowie knife is available this available this August.