Marlin Model 90 O/U

[MJD]

There is a Model 90 for sale locally that has 26 inch barrels (unknown chokes) in 12 gauge. I never heard of the model before yesterday; my quick internet perusals indicate that it's a good "working man's" over/under and they are built well for the money.

However, given that this is the first time I've really done any research on them, I wanted to get some folks' opinions who have shot or owned them. He's pricing it at $375; seems to be a little high, but by about 50 bucks, from my light research. Are they good guns? Are they well built and serviceable?

I have always wanted a O/U, but never needed one....I have a 1970s Wingmaster that pulls loyal duty on clays, ducks, pheasants, rabbits, squirrels, etc. Between clays and hunting, I probably shoot no more than 700 rounds per year, if that.

I also have the "beware of cheap doubles" feeling in the back of my head....I'm asking you all if that is unfounded in this case.

Thanks!

 

[cp1969]

I had one in 16 gauge from about 1968 thru 1999, when I gave it back to its original owner. For the first couple years, it was my only shotgun. It never broke the entire time I owned it. Killed a lot of birds with it.

It's not a Browning or Beretta, but you're not going to get one of them for $325, either.

 

[mavracer]

We've had one in the family for a very long time,a 410 my grandfather got it as a perk for a large candy order back in the 1930s. It's been the first shotgun for my father, brother, myself and my nephews and it's waiting patiently for the next generation.

 

[PapaG]

I have seen and examined/appraised several. Some seem to develop egg shaped chambers and generally get loose. Check the chambers and "shake" and if good, offer three.

 

[MJD]

Good information. Thanks all.

 

[MAKster]

The Marlin 90 was made from 1937 to 1958. So you likely have a paper weight if a part breaks. I saw one of these a few years ago for $200.

 

[entropy]

There is a Model 90 for sale locally that has 26 inch barrels (unknown chokes) in 12 gauge. I never heard of the model before yesterday; my quick internet perusals indicate that it's a good "working man's" over/under and they are built well for the money.

However, given that this is the first time I've really done any research on them, I wanted to get some folks' opinions who have shot or owned them. He's pricing it at $375; seems to be a little high, but by about 50 bucks, from my light research. Are they good guns? Are they well built and serviceable?

I have always wanted a O/U, but never needed one....I have a 1970s Wingmaster that pulls loyal duty on clays, ducks, pheasants, rabbits, squirrels, etc. Between clays and hunting, I probably shoot no more than 700 rounds per year, if that.

I also have the "beware of cheap doubles" feeling in the back of my head....I'm asking you all if that is unfounded in this case.

Thanks!

You wouldn't want to shoot league Trap with every week for many years, but yes what you've heard is true, a good working O/U. His price is about $75 higher that they sell for around here. I stand with PapaG.

 

[eastbank]

check the butt stock for cracks where it meets the receiver, and as posted parts are hard to find if needed. eastbank.

 

[huntsman]

^ also if the wood is a darker through the wrist, could be rotted from excessive oiling.

 

[BarkeyVA]

I own sixteen Model 90's in all gauges, including a couple of Pre-WWII Sears Ranger branded model 90's and a 12 ga. made in 1950 that my dad bought for me in 1957. For nearly 50 years it was my "go to" upland gun until I got my first 16 ga. model 90. None of mine are loose and all lock up tight. There was a guy (Weagle) who posted on Shotgun World several years ago that he had a 12 ga. Model 90 and had shot over 15,000 rounds through it shooting trap without any mechanical problems. Bottom line, I think they are great guns and hard to beat for the price.

I sold a 12 ga. made in 1947 with 26" barrels in 90+ % condition 5 years ago for $400. Probably, $300-350 is more reasonable depending on condition. Agree with PapaG's suggestion. Offer $300 cash out the door and see what happens.

26" barrels were typically choked IC/Mod. 28 and 30" were typically choked Mod/Full. After WWII Marlin used a letter prefix in the serial number to indicate the year made.

 

[PabloJ]

Pass on the clunker and look for Savage 300 series made in Finland by Tikka or Valmet. Superior gun in every way. It uses well proven French Petrik sliding breech mechanism like Remington 32/3200 and Krieghoff shotguns.

 

[Nicky Santoro]

I've had one for about 20 years. Nice, solid no-frills gun.

 

[CoalTrain49]

I don't know what the market is for Marlin 90's but I think they were built well.

The ones I've looked at seemed solid but never owned one.

Most of the American doubles built in that time period were serviceable even if they weren't much to look at.

Marlin was a reputable company in the time these were built.

 

[entropy]

Pass on the clunker and look for Savage 300 series made in Finland by Tikka or Valmet. Superior gun in every way. It uses well proven French Petrik sliding cover breech mechanism like Remington 32/3200 and Krieghoff shotguns.

There, fixed it for you. The Darne uses the sliding breech. A sliding breech would be impractical on an O/U, as the pistol grip would have to be lower than the breech mechaninsm, or the whole buttstock and breech would have to slide; impractical, as well as hard to load...

 

[Ks5shooter]

Have one in 12 ga bought for $125 built like a tank