I have a great old Model 24 that has been in the family for many years. It has always had the barrel cut down as long as I can remember. I have recently had it checked over. My gunsmith told me that he completely dissassembled it and gave it a thorough cleaning and going over. He gave it a clean bill of health, but suggested that I only shoot light target loads in it if I were to shoot it.
I don't have a big desire to shoot it, but would love to know a little about it. The serial number starts with 1090XX. The action is tight, smooth cycling, better than some of my modern shotguns. They just don't have the history behind them...
Someone on another site told me that I shouldn't even consider shooting it. This is after My Smith fired two rounds out of it to check it's functionability.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Alright Men, Ears up and Asses Down, Let's GO! - Capt. L. Falgoust
The Marlin Model 24 was one of the most popular exposed hammer, pump action shotgun that Marlin made. It was made fro 1980 to 1915 in the standard or "A" grade, "B" grade, "C" grade and the "D" grade.
It is a pistol gripped gun with a takedown action.
Unfortunately, the old Marlin records for the Model 24 do not exist, so there is no way of knowing when your gun was made. I would guess that your gun was made sometime near the 1910 era.
I hope this helps.
I appreciate all the information! Now, If I could just figure why someone cut the dang barrel back.... I told my gunsmith that it had been that way when my grandfather "acquired" it back in the early 30's. The Gunsmith offered an opinion that whoever did it, probably didn't have the best of intentions in mind when they did. Just makes me wonder I guess. Thanks again for all the help.
Alright Men, Ears up and Asses Down, Let's GO! - Capt. L. Falgoust
My best guess for the cut back barrel is that it became plugged with snow on a hunting trip... it doesn't take much to make the end of the bbl look like a peeled banana! Saw it happen to my bro's 1100 Rem once upon a time. SW
I am really not an expert - distinguished or otherwise!!
There was a barrel on eBay, too. It would work on your gun if you were so inclined. It had the correct style forearm like the Model 24. It would get you back to full length if you wanted it look correct. You could keep your shortened barrel and have the full length too.
I hope this helps.
Saw it happen to my bro's 1100 Rem once upon a time. SW