Marlin Model 31 16 ga.

[ColusaNRA]

I'm looking for any info on an old pump shotgun my wife's uncle just picked up. I believe it is a model 31, but I'm not sure. It does say 16 G A (16ga) at the receiver end of the barrell, it has an arrow pointing left, Marlin Fire-Arms Co, New Haven, CT., USA, and an arrow pointing right on the left side of the barrell. Below that it has a string of pat'd dates from 1896 (or 8?) to 1909. I could not find the model # anywhere. It is hammerless, has the hang fire button on the top of the receiver, and the safety is in front of the trigger inside the trigger guard.
I found a gun that looks like it on GunsAmerica.com and that is what started my down the modle 31 path. I don't have the gun in my possesion so I can't give much mor detail, like exact pat'd dates, at this time.
Does it sound like I am on the correct path?

Thanks;
Andy

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Andy;

Has to be as the Model 31 was the only hammerless Marlin shotgun made in 16 gauge. The Model 31 was also made in 20 gauge as was the Model 44's. But only the Model 31 was a hammerless version in 16 gauge. There were a couple of exposed hammer, 16 gauge guns, but only one hammerless.

[rjbielat]

I've got one that belonged to my great-grandfather. Cool gun. I've run a few boxes of shells through mine.

[rjbielat]

Regnier,

Could you do me a favor and list any pertinent details for the model 31? I had some facts on it at one point, but can't seem to locate them now. I'll need to stash them somewhere so I can pass the info and gun on down to my son some day.

From what I gather, mine is serial number 343 (at least that is the number stamped underneath the receiver). 16 gauge with what I assume is a full choke (there's a small F stamped on the barrel). It's a lower grade gun--no checkering or engraving.

Thank you greatly for any information you can provide.

[rjbielat]

Here are a few pics of mine. It's seen it's share of use!

[rjbielat]

BUMP!

Pretty please can I get a little more info?

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Rjbielat;

According to Brophy, the Marlin Model 31, 16 gauge hammerless pump action shotgun was made from 1914 to 1917. There are no records for any of the hammerless pump action shotgun, so there is no way of knowing how many were produced during the production run. The standard or "A" grade gun sold for $24.00 when new. Unfortunately, there just is not to much information avaialble at this time.
I hope this helps.

[rjbielat]

Thank you! It's a shame that records aren't more intact.

[Parley Baer]

With that low of a serial number I would vote for it being made in 1914.