Marlin Model 1897

The rifle was available between 1897 and 1922. It is also referred to as the "Model 97",^[1] the gun was redesigned as the "Marlin Model '97" in 1905.^[2]

In 1897, the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) was $15.35 USD.^[2]

It was speculated that 81,000 Marlin 1897 rifles were manufactured.^[2]

In 1997, Marlin manufactured a commemorative reissue of the firearm, with these versions dubbed the "1897 Century Limited".^[3]

The Model 1897 improved upon the design of the Marlin Model 1892.^[4][5]

The Model 1897 is a lever action,^[2] takedown rifle.^[1] It was only manufactured in takedown models chambered for .22 rimfire.^[4][5] It is a .22 S L L R firearm, meaning that it is chambered for .22 rimfire rounds,^[2][6] and is interchangeably able to fire .22 Long Rifle, .22 long, and .22 short. It uses a tubular magazine. Full-length models hold ten rounds of .22 Long Rifle, twenty rounds of .22 long, and twenty-five rounds of .22 short. Half-length models hold ten rounds of .22 Long Rifle, twelve rounds off .22 long, and sixteen rounds of .22 short.^[1] It has a hexagonal barrel.^[3]

The Model 1897's weight ranges between 5 lb (2.3 kg) and 6.25 lb (2.83 kg). Its barrel length ranged between 16 in (410 mm) and 28 in (710 mm).^[1] It is equipped with iron sights, featuring a open rear sight paired with a bead front sight.^[1] Standard to the gun is a plain straight-grip stock. However, versions are available with a pistol grip stock.^[1]

Among the variants produced was a compact "bicycle rifle" version with a 16-inch barrel.^[6] Only 216 versions of that variant were produced.^[7]

The Model 1897's design influenced the Marlin Model 39, which ultimately evolved into the Marlin Model Golden 39A.^[2]