 In the early 20th century, it was a popular small game and varmint round, developing around 1,460 ft/s with 86-grain bullets.But two years earlier Marlin Firearms Co. had already necked down the .32-20 Winchester, and called it the .25-20 Marlin.It was first chambered in Model 1889 lever action Marlins long before Winchester did the same thing and put their name on the .25-20.