I have a deposit on a Marlin model 1898 pump shotgun. This is the first of the series and looks a lot like the Winchester 1897 pump. Has a hammer which is totally cool and is in nice shape. I was warned not to run any regular loads thru it-just trap loads. I would like to hunt it and am wondering if anyone out there has more info on this pump. Would be a real hoot to take out to the trap range. Serial 369xx. How can I tell what I can and cannot shoot with this gun?
Marlin 1898
- Thread starter bogie
- Start date
First off, don't run regular trap loads or any other modern factory shells through it. IIRC, none of these guns were ever nitro proofed AND they're 2 1/2" chambers, I believe. At a minimum, you should get "nitro for black powder" shells (low pressure, 2 1/2"). Better would be black powder shells (although I've only ever found those in 12 gauge).
Marlin issued a warning many years ago that these models should NOT be fired under any circumstances. This warning was clearly prompted by their lawyers but, if you don't take that advice, you'd best know exactly what you're doing. Plenty of other manufacturers have old guns with shorter chambers than what the average shooter expects and not necessarily proofed for nitro. You don't see them issuing similar warnings. My personal opinion is that Marlin is covering their butts better than most companies, but I also believe their old external hammer shotguns didn't prove to be as rugged as some of their competitors (like the 1897). For this reason, Marlin felt it wise to at least warn people.
Check out this page for more info (a bit scattered, but more info than I intend to re-key):
ht tp://www.100megspop3.com/oldvalkyry/marlin.html
Here's a quote from the Blue Book:
Marlin issued a warning many years ago that these models should NOT be fired under any circumstances. This warning was clearly prompted by their lawyers but, if you don't take that advice, you'd best know exactly what you're doing. Plenty of other manufacturers have old guns with shorter chambers than what the average shooter expects and not necessarily proofed for nitro. You don't see them issuing similar warnings. My personal opinion is that Marlin is covering their butts better than most companies, but I also believe their old external hammer shotguns didn't prove to be as rugged as some of their competitors (like the 1897). For this reason, Marlin felt it wise to at least warn people.
Check out this page for more info (a bit scattered, but more info than I intend to re-key):
ht tp://www.100megspop3.com/oldvalkyry/marlin.html
Here's a quote from the Blue Book:
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BTW, I have one of the same model. I've never fired it, but that's mostly because it's 16 gauge and, up until now, I've been too busy and too lazy to reload for it. Mine's for sale on the EE.
I firmly believe that mine is in good enough shape to be fired, but only with black powder or low pressure nitro loads, in 2 1/2" either way. Mine is not in what I'd consider "Mint" or even "Excellent" condition, but the warnings have more to do with the pressures that the gun was proofed for, the chamber length, and the design of the barrel assembly, than the condition of the gun.
I firmly believe that mine is in good enough shape to be fired, but only with black powder or low pressure nitro loads, in 2 1/2" either way. Mine is not in what I'd consider "Mint" or even "Excellent" condition, but the warnings have more to do with the pressures that the gun was proofed for, the chamber length, and the design of the barrel assembly, than the condition of the gun.
I am currently restoring an old 870 Wingmaster and I have complete faith in it as it is about 40 yrs old. Shot lots with my old one and should never have sold it in the first place. Kinda looking like I will pass on this as there are too many questions and looks like even trap loads are not a good idea. I have several other shotguns and will spend some time with them. Looked pretty neat but I dont want to throw a couple hun just to hang on the wall. Thanks guys for the great info.
Now I feel bad. It was not my intention to dissuade you from purchasing this gun. I just wanted to make sure you understood that it was designed and built prior to the introduction of "smokeless" powders.
There's a special feeling of satisfaction that comes from learning about the correct shell sizes and appropriate pressure ranges for these venerable old guns. Shooting them safely requires a bit more knowledge and preparation, but the experience is well worth the effort IMHO.
Do you have an 1897? If not, perhaps consider looking for one. The 1897 is more suited to the intentions you describe - as long as it's in shootable condition, it would be able to handle modern target and hunting loads in 2 1/2" or 2 3/4" (although you'll find the recoil slightly higher when using 2 3/4" shells). 2 1/2" shells are available from Gamebore (talk to Fassteel, our Kent rep on this site). The Winchester has the open hammer design that you appreciate and the rugged reliability to last hundreds of years. They are equally at home on a CAS field, a trap range, your favorite hunt, or just blasting for fun.
Forgive me if I turned you off to the idea of a classic pump. They're great guns. I just wanted to make sure that you realised they weren't proofed for nitro and the early models had shorter chambers. I regularly hunt with similar guns, including those with Damascus barrels. The key concerns are the condition of the individual piece and the ammo to be used.
There's a special feeling of satisfaction that comes from learning about the correct shell sizes and appropriate pressure ranges for these venerable old guns. Shooting them safely requires a bit more knowledge and preparation, but the experience is well worth the effort IMHO.
Do you have an 1897? If not, perhaps consider looking for one. The 1897 is more suited to the intentions you describe - as long as it's in shootable condition, it would be able to handle modern target and hunting loads in 2 1/2" or 2 3/4" (although you'll find the recoil slightly higher when using 2 3/4" shells). 2 1/2" shells are available from Gamebore (talk to Fassteel, our Kent rep on this site). The Winchester has the open hammer design that you appreciate and the rugged reliability to last hundreds of years. They are equally at home on a CAS field, a trap range, your favorite hunt, or just blasting for fun.
Forgive me if I turned you off to the idea of a classic pump. They're great guns. I just wanted to make sure that you realised they weren't proofed for nitro and the early models had shorter chambers. I regularly hunt with similar guns, including those with Damascus barrels. The key concerns are the condition of the individual piece and the ammo to be used.
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Well, dont feel too bad there Straightshooter. It was a near thing when I saw it and was actually looking for an 1897 in the first place. However, it seems that the shotgun I have a deposit on is the first run of a not very good series and that does not bode well for my wants. Dont misunderstand, I love pumpguns and have a couple already so Im just lookin for somethin fun to play with but I would be much more comfy playing with the 1897 Winnie than this troubled Marlin. I will keep my eye out for a Winnie and still play with my old Wingmaster. That old girl is getting a bit of tarting up and is going to see some active service this summer rest assured. Out to the trap range and dirty up that barrel. I am looking forward though, to taking a hammered pump out to the trap range. Man would that stick out like a sore thumb eh? Old and classy. IMHO the pump shotgun is the funnest of guns no question.
