I was thinking about trying one of these shotguns that Marlin imports, in a 12 GA. and was wondering if anyone had any knowledge of them, good or bad. Thanks.

BassPro had some, and I looked at one because I like the real ones. This one looked like one of the Stoeger Uplander guns in weight, balance, fit, and finish, which is to say not too bad, but not in the class of even the less- expensive double guns from Spain. It had sideplates and case-coloring. It wasn't too bad, but I thought it was worth about the same as a Stoeger and priced at about double that. For the price I'd rather get a boxlock Uggie, I guess.

Hope this helps,
Steve

I was looking at the SKB shotguns, they look like they have more to offer and are in the ballpark for price?

Most likely.

The "L.C. Smiths" are anything but-- they are Zoli's, and not particularly good examples at that.

Randy Wakeman:

This 76 year old retired shotgunner smiled at reading your quotes around the name of L.C. Smith. When I first saw the title on the website I had a crazy illusion that I had been transported back in time - and, gee! A fine double of my teens (and even then made years before) was back! Your post was a splash of cold water on old memories. (Yeah, I know it's not your fault) What really bothers me is that fine old names in guns are utilized far beyond the day of their decent burial. Of course, what these promotors aim at is that people like me who remember the real thing will eventually be gone. Too bad. The new generations would be better served by hunting up the old timers. paying a few bucks to a gunsmith -and shooting the real thing if that's what they want.

Sorry about that. Well, I had the same glorious vision of a real "L. C. Smith" when I first walked up to take a look at them.

As I slovenly skulked away, I felt like I was cheated somehow-- my expectations falling like broken dreams against the cracked concrete curb of my life.