Marlin Model 90

Phil Nowack

Phil Nowack

Well-known member
So, I came into a Marlin Model 90 12g O/U. I am having problems figuring out the manufacture date. By what I can tell I think it was made in the 1930's. My question is... can I shoot steel out of it? I have not identified the barrel configuaration yet. If it is a full, I understand I can not. If it is a full, can I shoot Bismouth or Tungston or Hevi-Shot?
 
Phil

i had one of those for a while - there is a date code- check the marlin colleectors site for list

i would not shoot steel in that - no matter the choke

bismith, kent matrx - nice shot - go for it - they all treat old gun barrels well and the 90 (in original condition) will handle the pressures

a little known detail - MOI is a measurement of balance - when a lot of guns where tested- including quality doubles - the Model 90 rated very high

the 16 gauge version has a near cult following on the 16 ga society board's forum http://www.16ga.com/forum/index.php
 
Thanks. Everything I can find indicates that an Alpha prefex started in 1940 (in the serial number). This one does not. I cannot find a data sheet. DO you have a link?
 
If the barrels are 28-30" it is likely F/M. I believe they did make some IC/M 26" guns but have no idea what year they were from.
While I will shoot some smaller steel shot in older guns I would not do it with that age of a double gun. There are more things that can go wrong with the barrels tied together. A slight ring bulge in a double that you would never notice in a single barreled gun could separate the barrels. Maybe if you had the chokes opened way up, they seem to be pretty tough guns.

You could shoot Bismuth or Kent Tungsten Matrix. I'd still stay away from the really fast stuff.

Tim
 
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