First Look: 10mm Marlin Trapper Model 1894

10mm power meets lever-action simplicity.

posted on November 19, 2025
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10mm lever action

Ruger in conjunction with Marlin has just launched the new Trapper Model 1894 chambered for the ubiquitous 10mm pistol cartridge.

The Marlin Trapper Model 1894 is a compact lever-action carbine based on the classic Marlin lever-action blueprint. It uses a cold-hammer-forged 16-inch barrel with a stainless satin finish that matches its receiver. This new lever-action carbine is outfitted with receiver-mounted Skinner sights for a longer sight radius.

As one of the latest products from Ruger Marlin, the new Marlin Trapper 1894 lever-action carbine has an upgraded fire control system. Its sear is now e-nickel Teflon-plated. Additionally, the sear notch geometry in the hammer has been improved to create a smoother and more consistent trigger feel. Finally, in response to consumer feedback, the sear and trigger system have been redesigned to eliminate the trigger “flop.”

Since the rimless 10mm pistol cartridge isn’t a traditional rimmed, straight-wall cartridge like what is typically used in lever action designs, the design and development of the new Marlin Trapper 1894 involved cross-industry collaboration with Hornady. Hornady in turn tailored 10mm loads to function smoothly in this lever-action format. The end result is a new 10mm product from Hornady, the 150-grain FTX Lever Evolution load. The prominent elastomer flex tip on this round makes it safe to use in lever-action rifles and carbines as the polymer tips don’t pose any risk while they sit in a tubular magazine. This load is also suitable for 10mm revolvers, especially those that might be carried in conjunction with the Marlin Trapper Model 1894.

To learn more about Ruger Marlin’s new Marlin Model 1894 Trapper lever action carbine, visit marlinfirearms.com. For more information on Hornady’s new 10 mm FTX Lever Evolution load, go to hornady.com.

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