Midwest Industries – Marlin 1895 SBL
• Based on a Marlin Model 1895 SBL
• Outfitted with Midwest Industries lever action upgrades
• Further tuned & modified by Mad Pig Customs
In the ever-evolving world of firearms, the allure of the classic lever action rifle has undergone a transformative revival, and leading this charge is Midwest Industries. Renowned by lever action enthusiasts for the company’s extensive line of lever-action-specific accessories, Midwest Industries has recently introduced its pièce de résistance, the Lever Action Stock. To showcase the latest innovation, we delve into the company’s customized Marlin Model 1895 SBL, a true resto-mod performer.
Before we explore Midwest Industries’ upgrades, let’s take a deeper look at the Marlin 1895 foundation the custom rifle is built upon. The Marlin Model 1895 SBL features a lever and trigger guard plate that comes from the factory CNC-machined from 416 stainless steel forgings, ensuring durability and precision. The cold-hammer-forged 410 stainless steel barrel boasts ultra-precise rifling for exceptional accuracy and longevity.
The rifle features a threaded barrel and six-round tubular magazine with a loading gate on the receiver that accommodates a variety of .45-70 Govt. factory ammunition. The oversized lever loop ensures smooth operation, even when the user is wearing heavy gloves.
To take the 1895 classic to the next level, Midwest Industries collaborated with Mad Pig Customs, renowned for crafting some of the world’s finest custom lever action rifles. The goal was to infuse modern functionality into this timeless rifle, and the partnership resulted in a masterpiece that reflects both heritage and innovation.
The Mad Pig Customs lever action job on the 1895 is nothing short of spectacular. From dehorning and cleaning the receiver to polishing the chamber for easy feeding and extraction, every detail has been meticulously addressed. The internals received a series of welcomed modifications, including a relieved hammer, a tuned bolt assembly, and an extractor fitted with the hammer for smoother cycling.
Additional custom touches, such as a cut and re-threaded barrel, a Mad Pig lever takedown screw, a tuned loading gate, and a trigger job for a smooth 3-pound pull all contribute to a silky-smooth action and refined precision.
As mentioned earlier, the star of the show is Midwest Industries’ all-new Lever Action Stock, a major launch for the brand for 2024. Compatible with major lever action models from Henry, Marlin, Rossi and Winchester, this stock offers unparalleled personalization, customization and adjustability. With features like a polymer cheek piece, ambidextrous design, factory length of pull and m-lok compatible mounting slots, it seamlessly blends the old-school feel of a classic lever action rifle with modern functionality.
The Lever Action Stock is complemented by Midwest Industries’ G10 grip panels and shell holder plate, providing a customized look and extra ammunition on the rifle’s side. Additionally, the handguard/top rail/sight system installed on this rifle remains a crowd favorite for its adjustable ghost ring sights. You’ll also find Midwest Industries’ popular two-chamber muzzle brake on the muzzle end. The brake offers effective recoil reduction for this lever action’s .45-70-sized rounds.
On the side of the rifle, the m-lok compatible universal shell holder provides a practical solution for ammunition storage, catering to calibers from .357 to .45-70. The G10 grip panels add a touch of customization for the stock and are available in three colors: gray-black, green-black and red-black. To allow for even more personalization, color-matched G10 m-lok rail panels in different lengths are also available.
Gracing the top rail of this Marlin Model 1895 SBL is a Primary Arms PLxC 1-8×24 variable optic, which is mounted in a Midwest Industries QD scope mount for quick and efficient deployment. The scope features premium-grade Japanese ED lenses for enhanced light transmission, color correctness and image clarity. Combined with a forgiving eye relief box and ultra-wide field of view, which Primary Arms rates at 121 feet at 100 yards, this scope is capable of a wide range of use.
Forward of the scope, you’ll find a Steiner CQBL-1 laser and a SureFire Mini Scout Light Pro weaponlight. The Steiner dual visible red and IR aiming laser provides precision targeting either in broad daylight or at night, while SureFire’s Mini Scout Light Pro ensures optimal illumination in any scenario.
Controlling both the laser and weaponlight are Modlite remote switches mounted to the handguard’s top rail for easy accessibility and convenience. This amalgamation of state-of-the-art accessories transforms the Marlin 1895 into a versatile firearm that seamlessly merges tradition with technological innovation.
Incorporating modern enhancements from Midwest Industries and the tuning expertise of Mad Pig Customs, this transformed Marlin Model 1895 SBL stands as a blend of tradition and innovation, which undoubtedly delivers a fun shooting experience for its user. As we witness the resurgence of lever actions in this modern era, the future seems promising for these classic firearms. Images Courtesy of Midwest Industries and Text by Martin Anders
Build Sheet – Midwest Industries Marlin 1895 SBL
Specifications
Base Rifle: Marlin Model 1895 SBL
Caliber: .45-70
Capacity: 6+1
Overall Length: 34.25 in.
Weight Unloaded: 9 lbs, 12 oz.
Barrel Length: 16.1 in.
Featured Accessories
Optic: Primary Arms PLxC 1-8×24
Optic Mount: Midwest Industries QD scope mount
Alternate Optic: EOTech HWS EXPS3
Light: SureFire Mini Scout Light Pro
Laser: Steiner CQBL-1
Parts & Accessories: Midwest Industries Marlin 1895 Lever Action Stock, Midwest Industries Marlin 1895 Extended Sight System, Midwest Industries G10 grip panels, Midwest Industries G10 m-lok panels, Midwest Industries m-lok shell holder, Midwest Industries shell holder plate, Midwest Industries 2-chamber muzzle brake, Mad Pig enhanced takedown screw, Modlite remote switches
About the Builder
Midwest Industries
IG: @midwestindustries
URL: midwestindustriesinc.com
