I have been looking at an old Marlin pump action M/1898, do any of you guys have some info on this gun? Good? bad? etc.

sale at gun america The cowboy shooter are interested in hammer pump shotguns. I never owned one. Look like a win 97 i had.

Thanks a lot!

Mike,

The Marlin 1898s are not safe to shoot. They have a very weak lockup. With the later Marlins this is not a problem. There have been people seriously injured when the bolts failed in the locking, left the frame hitting the shooters in the eye/checkbone. That said, I had a 20ga Model24 Marlin (smaller frame w/exposed hammer) and I really enjoyed shooting it. It was pure poison on doves/

Take care,

Hog Killer