First Look: 10mm Marlin Trapper Model 1894

10mm power meets lever-action simplicity.

posted on November 19, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
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.

Latest

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 in a PHLster Holster
I Carry: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 in a PHLster Holster

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 Pistol in a PHLster Holster

In this week's episode of "I Carry," we have a Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 .380 ACP pistol in a PHLster Skeleton holster with a CRKT Pilar III pocketknife.

U.S. Army Purchasing Additional Mossberg 590A1 Pump-Action Shotguns

Mossberg has been awarded a contact worth $11.6 million for its 590A1 pump-action shotguns.

Skills Check: The Baba Yaga Drill

Note: Pencil not included.

Review: Heritage Manufacturing Coachwhip Shotgun

The new Coachwhip coach gun is prettier than you’d expect and more practical than you may realize.

The Classics: Winchester Model 1907 

Semi-automatic rifles firing intermediate calibers and feeding from removable-box magazines have been around a lot longer than you might think.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.