Marlin Model 90
Marlin Firearms Co. · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1937
Also known as: Ranger Model 90, J.C. Higgins Model 90, Marlin 90
Overview
The Marlin Model 90 is an American over/under break-action shotgun produced by Marlin Firearms from 1937 to 1963. Designed by Ole Horsrud, it was developed at the request of Sears, Roebuck and Co. as an affordable domestic alternative to premium stack-barrel guns like the Browning Superposed and Winchester Model 21. Its hallmark is a removable trigger/hammer pack that drops cleanly into a finely shaped boxlock receiver. Chambered most commonly in 12 gauge (and also offered in 16, 20 gauge and .410 bore), it featured a boxlock action with extractors, a checkered walnut stock, double or optional single triggers, and barrels of 26, 28 or 30 inches. Roughly 34,000 were built.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3175 g (112.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1168 mm (45.98") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Double |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2560 J (1888 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Action Double Barrel
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Top Tang Safety
- Features: Over Under Barrels, Removable Trigger Pack, Boxlock Action, Extractors, Checkered Walnut Stock, Optional Ventilated Rib, Optional Single Trigger
Variants
- Marlin Model 90 Combination - Combination Gun
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sporting and hunting market · adopted 1937
Production
Estimated total produced: 34,000 · Production years: 1937-1963
Approximately 34,000 manufactured; about 500 produced as combination rifle/shotgun guns.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Ole Horsrud
Discontinued: 1963
Notes
Sold under the 'Ranger' brand by Sears before WWII and as the 'J.C. Higgins' line afterward, with serial prefix 103; guns were not stamped 'Marlin' until after 1945. Pre-1950 guns had ventilated spacing between the barrels; later guns used a solid rib, and a ventilated rib was optional from 1949. Around 500 examples were made as combination guns pairing a shotgun barrel with a rifle barrel (.22 LR, .22 Hornet, .218 Bee or .30-30 Win).
Background
Marlin built the Model 90 after Sears, Roebuck asked for a domestically made over/under to rival the Browning Superposed and Winchester 21. Engineer Ole Horsrud answered with a strikingly modern design whose trigger and hammers lived in a removable pack that slotted neatly into the receiver, an elegant solution that made the gun easy to service.