16ga.com ~ View topic

Joined: 22 Jan 2015 Posts: 345

So what’s the story with Marlin LC Smith shotguns? Were they the exact same gun as pre WWII Hunter Arms action and bbl wise? Pros and Cons of the Marlin guns?

http://www.lcsmith.org/shotguns/1968grades.html

We are NOT talking about the Spanish Made Zabala shotguns made for Marlin.
https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/51/3581/zabala-lc-28-shotgun-28

http://www.lcsmith.org/

http://www.lcsca.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=43784&module_id=246411

Joined: 22 Jan 2015 Posts: 345

Thx skeettx for those links, interesting info. So is it safe to assume that the only changes made to the Marlin produced versions was external? Did anything change with regard to fit and finish? How about general balance and feel of the 12ga?

Member Joined: 24 Jan 2007 Posts: 467 Location: SC PA

I own both pre-13 LCs and Marlin era LCs. IMO, there is a definite difference with both fit/finish and "feel" between guns made in the two time periods. That is not to say the Marlin era guns are not quality firearms but rather they are just not as refined as earlier guns. Marlin era guns tend to be more "portly". The pair of Field Grade 16ga Marlin built guns I own both weigh right around 6 3/4lb. For some, that would make them "heavy" but I find they balance well and do not feel as heavy in the hand. I think it's easier to find earlier produced 16s that weigh in the 6 1/4- 6 1/2 lb range (my preferred weight for a 16) but I thoroughly enjoy the two Marlin guns I own.