Marlin model 1889 with. 278 serial #and no safety

[Old-school 62]

I have a Marlin model I think is an 1889 pump 12 gauge with a 20" barrel. It is a take down gun, I have a 32" barrel as well. They interchange in seconds and both shot great with light game loads or black powder loads. It has a 3 digit serial number 278 which is stamped on several pieces.
But there is no safety anywhere on the receiver, the trigger guard or any were else. Does any on know what I have and the correct model.
I have pic's to show.

[marlinman93]

There were no "1889" Marlin shotguns. Most likely it's a Model 1898 shotgun.

[Old-school 62]

Sorry 1898 Marlin pump shotgun serial number 278 with no safety

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Old-school 62;

The first Model 1898 Marlin shotguns did not have the patented "Hang Fire Safety" that was introduced on guns after the first year of production. They are somewhat unsafe to shoot compared to the later guns as these first variation shotguns could accidently "slam fire" when the action is worked. Just be sure you finger is nowhere near the trigger when you operate the action.
The 20 inch barrel is considered a Riot Gun version whereas the 32 inch barrel was the standard length for most variations of the Model 1898 and later models as well. The 32 inch barrel is most likely a full choke and should be stamped on the side of the barrel with the letter "F" along with a serial number that will not match the gun number. The 20 inch barrel, if not a cut-off would have an open choke. The choke for the 20 inch barrel should show the letter "C" for open choke.

[Old-school 62]

Thank you that makes sense, I thought because of the low serial number that might be the case.
The hammer does have a slight sort of 1/2 cock, that holds the hammer about 1/8" away from the firing pin. This what I've been using as a safety.
Again thank you for your help Vern

[Old-school 62]

Thank you that makes sense, I thought because of the low serial number that might be the case.
The 20" barrel does have a C and the 32" barrel has an F.

The hammer does have a slight sort of 1/2 cock, that holds the hammer about 1/8" away from the firing pin. This what I've been using as a safety.
I've been trying to find more information on these gun, it's the first time I've ever seen one. I have been doing gunsmithing for about 40 years and this is the first. Are there any literature on the 1898s?

Again thank you for your help Vern

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Old-school 62;

There is some information on these early shotguns in Brophy's Marlin book, titled "Marlin Firearms, a History of the guns and the company that made them."

[Old-school 62]

Thank you, I'll look forward to reading it, I have several Marlin 38-55, 375, 1870 lever action 12ga, 39A and several 30-30s. Any information helps
Thank you

[Old-school 62]

Just ordered Brophy's Marlin book, titled "Marlin Firearms, a History of the guns and the company that made them." From Walmart of all places. New, hard cover and delivered by Wednesday. The book sells for any were from $65.00 to almost $200.00 at one of those fancy shops.

Thank you again

[Old-school 62]

I finally purchased a hard back cover of Marlin Firearms by Lt. Brophy, it is the Holy Grail of Marlin Firearms. Thank You, I haven't been able to put it down since it came. It has answered alot of questions I've had for my Marlin collection as well as many questions about Marlin Firearms in general.
The only problem I have now is they sent me 2 copies of the same book (1 for the shop and 1 for the house) I guess lol . . .
Thank You again for everything Old-school 62 (Vern)

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Veern;

Just one thing about the Brophy book. Since the book was published in 1989, a lot of new information has come to light that makes some of the information in the book incorrect. Some of it has to do with production dates and numbers. Brophy did not set out to do the book that you now have. It originally was to be about the lever guns only, but his boss, Frank Kenna insisted on the whole Marlin story, so some things were hurried and not researched as it should have been. But still, it is the best information available

[Old-school 62]

Thank you for the update, I try to learn something New everyday and this Book will help a lot. I noticed some areas are kind of light on information, while others are very indepth.

[marlinman93]

I agree with Regnier that Bill's book is still the bible on Marlins, especially as it relates to the lever action models. It's severely lacking in some areas I collect like Marlin Ballard rifles. But I still refer to it often.
I have two copies also, and have had both copies since the book first came out. I got one that Bill autographed, and another that's really tattered and well worn from many decades of me handling and using it. It's also full of papers I inserted with updated info I've added for my own use.