PATENT DATES ON MARLIN SHOTGUN BARRELS

[BUSSMAN69]

I am specifically referencing the chart (Table 2) on the top of page 352 in Brophys book. It lists the correct patent dates to be found on the barrels of Marlin pump shotguns. I specifically collect the external hammer models. Recently I looked at 2 different Model 24 shotguns. And both of them had patent dates that matched a Model 21 Shotgun, per Brophys table on page 352. Not a Model 24 shotgun. And I have noticed that on just about every external hammer pump shotgun, except for the model 1898's. You have about a 50/50 chance that the barrel patent dates will not match according to Brophy. And usually the wrong barrels will be just one model # off.
So is it possible that at the Marlin factory, when they started a new model, that if they had left over barrels from the previous model. That they used these on the next model that went into production until they were used up ?? Because I find it hard to believe that half of the old external hammer shotguns would have had their barrels ruined and replaced sometime in their lifespan to present day. Any thoughts on this ?

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

BUSSMAN69;

You hit the nail on the head. Marlin wasted nothing. Which, is another reason barrel serial numbers and receiver serial numbers never match.

[BUSSMAN69]

That's kind of what I was thinking. Because Brophy even says that the Patent Dates "May or May Not" match what is on the barrel. So apparently all of the shotguns I am coming across, that the Patent Dates don't match up on, to the specific model. I would think some of them came from the factory that way ?? Thanks for your input, it is appreciated.