Marlin 120 history lesson.

[Nath]

http://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/ ... try2642088

The above link is to a Marlin 120 sale.
I know nothing of this slide action.
What do you folks know about them ?

Nath.

[Larkbill]

I have the Glenfield version. Many features similar to the Mossberg 500, but has a steel receiver, and the safety is a crossbolt in the trigger guard. I do like the shell feed system (which is like the Mossberg) in that the lifter is up against the bolt when in battery. This leaves the loading port wide open. Shells are easily loaded, or unloaded by squeezing the shell retainer even with gloves on. One of the few tube magazines easily unloaded without cycling shells through the action. I had my barrel cut back to 23" and threaded for Tru-chokes, but if I had it to do over I think I would have left it with the factory modified choke and 28" barrel. Quite loud, and the factory choke patterned well. Some artful loading with some of Ballistic Products special purpose wads would have sufficed. I like the way it balances better than the aluminum receiver guns. It has been very durable and reliable in the duck marsh.

[Pete44ru]

.

IMO it was basically Marlin's version of the Winchester Model 12.

They're reliable, with fairly good-looking fit/finish, but most likely couldn't compete in the pumpgun (shotgun) market, where the lowest price generally rules.

Folks that can afford better/other guns gave them a pass.


.

[Nath]

Thanks folks
N.

[Bill in Oregon]

Nath, I bought one when they first came out. Good, solid pump, but heavy enough that I got rid of it.

[wm]

I had one......I liked it but it was heavy. On the plus side it was pleasant to shoot.

I seemed to recall mine was made in France.

[EdinCT]

I saved for one when I was about 14 years old. They cost 150 new at the LGS. When we went to get it they had a like new 1100 Remington for a few dollars more and my dad talked me into that instead.

[Nath]

I saved for one when I was about 14 years old. They cost 150 new at the LGS. When we went to get it they had a like new 1100 Remington for a few dollars more and my dad talked me into that instead.

Was you glad you changed your mind ?

N.

[EdinCT]

Nath, My Dad had no use for pump guns. He hunted with a LC Smith. I have had two 870s a 12 and a 20 ga (the 20 Given to one of my sons) and I believe if I had bought the 120 I most likely would still own it. I have side by sides and an over under but the 870 always brings home the bacon once I learned to pump it. The 1100 went down the road when steel became the waterfowl load of the land and I thought 3 inch was needed.

[Nath]

Cheers Ed. Autos come and go through my hands too

N.