Need help identifying an old 12Ga

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MysticArmsAndSupply
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Joined: Fri Jun 09, 2017 10:11 am

Need help identifying an old 12Ga

Post by MysticArmsAndSupply »

Hey guys, I'm new to the board but I need help identifying this older Marlin I picked up in New Hampshire.

It has a date stamp of 1904 and a serial number A4033 stamped under the front loader. One odd thing is the barrel seems to be factory shortened.

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Does anyone have any ideas what I have here?
Regnier (gunrunner)
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Re: Need help identifying an old 12Ga

Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

MysticArmsAndSupply;

You have either a Marlin Model 17, or a Model 26. The model number should be stamped on the upper tang, behind the hammer. Both had the 1904 patent date, but the Model 17's last patent date is 1904, whereas the Model 26 last patent date was 1906.
Looks like a 20 inch barrel, which Marlin did offer as a Riot Gun. To be sure it is factory, look on the side of the barrel for a serial number (may be behind the pump arm) and a letter. If it is a factory Riot Gun there will be a letter "C" for Cylinder Bore or open choke. If you see the letter "F" for Full Choke or "M" for Modified Choke, then the barrel has been cut later after it left the factory.
The "A" letter serial number prefix indicates it was made in 1916.
Does the butt plate have "Marlin" in script at the toe or is it blank?
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MysticArmsAndSupply
Beginner
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Jun 09, 2017 10:11 am

Re: Need help identifying an old 12Ga

Post by MysticArmsAndSupply »

It's a 26, (F) on the barrel and Marlin in script. Thank you already, you've already been a huge help!
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