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Marlin Model 90

Marlinman336
Hey folks,

I'm familiar with Marlin rifles, but new to Marlin shotguns. Just purchased a Model 90 12 ga. DT, and I was wondering about the history of these guns. I've seen they were only manufactured for a few years, and sold through Sears for a time. Anyone have experience with these shotguns? Bought it because it seems like a good, solid workhorse O/U.

Thanks very much,

MM336

Remington 870 large-frame Wingmaster 20
Marlin 39A
Marlin 336ss 30/30
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • Marlinman336
    I have a Marlin Model 90 12 gauge with 26" Barrels. This is truly a masterpiece with beautiful flame grained wood, excellent checkering and exquisite scroll engraving on the receiver. The barrels are webbed. I never knew Marlin made O/U shotguns until recently. The finish on the wood has oxidized in places, so, it must be at least 50-60 years old. I have several questions. If I supply the serial number, can someone tell me when it was made? Second, how do you tell what choking you have? Third, how do you take the barrels off? The forearm has two screws and it appears to slide forward. Fourth, is this possibly a custom made gun? Many of the Marlins I have looked at are rather plain, but this one is fit for a king. In fact I like this shotgun much better than the old Winchester M 101 I used to have. I wish Marlin would make this gun again.

    In sum, I am really pleased to own this fine weapon, as it balances beautifully, is truly gorgeous to look at, and like all Marlins, is very, very well made.

    Thank you for your responses
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  • captkirk3@dslextreme.com
    Welcome to the Ask The Experts Forum and becoming a Gunbroker.com Member...Just looked into my data base...here's what it says...Model 90-DT Made from 1937 to 1958...
    Also looked into the Gun Traders Guide....Nineteenth Edition...Coroborates what My Database says.....I have a 90-DT in My Closet....hav'nt fired it for awhile....Guess its time to take it out to the range and limber it up a bit...

    Captain Kirk, Tech Staff
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  • Marlinman336
    Thanks very much for the information, Capt. Kirk. Looking forward to getting to the range with it.

    MM336

    Remington 870 large-frame Wingmaster 20
    Marlin 39A
    Marlin 336ss 30/30
    0
  • bobski
    the marlin 90 is a historical shotgun, since it is the first shotgun to use 'non hammer' internal strikers. it was unique. early prewar guns had a rib between bbls and post war it was eliminated, making it look like a remington 32 or a remington 3200. M-90's are prone to cracking at the receiver since the wood is really thin. watch for cracks in the pistol grip too. they kick folks! btw...the marlin 90 was my first field grade o&u and the first gun i refinished and rechecked myself. [:)]

    former air operations officer SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2. former navy skeet team, former navy rifle/pistol team member. co-owner skeetmaster tubes inc.. owner/operator professional shooting instruction. NRA certified instructor.
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  • Marlinman336
    Excellent information, Bobski - thanks. I think I paid about $50-$75 too much for mine[B)] - the gun is in excellent shape - I paid $400. I didn't want to let it go, though. I found one in a gun shop a few years ago - also in excellent condition - and loved the look and feel of it, but lost it to another buyer while I was trying to make up my mind.[:(!]

    MM336



    Remington 870 large-frame Wingmaster 20
    Marlin 39A
    Marlin 336ss 30/30
    0
  • bobski
    some collectible things on them are: the 20ga, single trigger, ejectors, and a rib. go find one and see what they go for![:D]
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  • perry shooter
    Hello they also made this model in a rifle shotgun combo 410/ 22 hornet O saw one in redding N.Y. years ago before credit card by the time I got home and called to send a WIRE money order it was sold Would love to have one now.
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  • Marlinman336
    quote:some collectible things on them are: the 20ga, single trigger, ejectors, and a rib. go find one and see what they go for!

    ....and mine has none of the above[:I]...guess it's a 'shooter'. [:D]

    By the way Bobski, do you happen to know offhand what was changed in 1949 on the 90? I have seen a few for sale on various auction listings, and they're often described as "pre-49". Was it the rib?

    Perry, I saw a .410/.22 go on one of the auction sites a week or so ago.....that would've been a nice buy years ago. Not to open old wounds, but they ain't givin' 'em away these days....[:0][:D]

    MM336



    Remington 870 large-frame Wingmaster 20
    Marlin 39A
    Marlin 336ss 30/30
    0
  • bobski
    yes, the removal of the rib. also, checkered wood was an option after ww2.
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  • v35
    Had one in the far east in the early '50s and shot a load of pheasants with it. This gun was a lot faster for wing shooting than Remington and Winchester pumps and Savage and Remington autoloaders that the Army Special Services had.
    The Marlin 90 was available thru the PX system as were shot shells.
    While I only used high base # 4,5 & 6, I don't recall recoil being an issue.
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