doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Ranger Marlin 90

Anyone know if Marlin still has records on the Ranger or the 90?

I didn't think you actually could chrome a turd...


Nice gun, whats the story?

Best,
Ted

That's got to be by far the fanciest Model 90 I've ever seen. The Ranger-marked 90's were made for Sears. Can't believe that gun would have left the factory looking like that, destined for a Sears store. I'm guessing custom upgrade.

Theres a guy over on the 16 bore forum that seems to have a lot of info on em.

My thought, too.

I didn't know Sears sold anything, let alone a shotgun, so fancy.

Sorry to be so tardy in response, but just got cleared to post as new member. Skeettx was kind enough to post the pics of my Ranger. I purchased this gun recently at auction and like most of you, I couldn't believe that the engraving ,inlays, checkering etc could have been factory produced. When I disassembled the gun I found that all the serial number on the wood and metal matched. Of course one would have to question why someone would pick a Marlin 90 to apply such investment in "dolling" her up.I am trying to determine if indeed this was done by factory or aftermarket. That is my question?

Probably an engravers project,,just a guess on my part.

Is the 'R' above the serial number on the bottom part of the factory applied markings (Ranger)? It looks hand cut to me in the pic (but that's always tough to tell),,perhaps an engravers or gunsmiths mark if so.

The ducks look like they came from an Ithaca (McGraw) pattern. The dog looks familiar from Winchester or Ithaca. The checkering style follows a Winchester B carving to some extent.

Just some thoughts...

Kutter,

Sears Ranger 103-11's, 16 ga. Model 90's made by Marlin were all marked with an "R" above the serial number. The engraver just enhanced it.

The engraving is similar to that done in Japan for GIs in the 50s and 60s - possibly Hamada & Son

BarclayG,
I was linked to this subject from a another thread...Drew may be correct about it being a GI piece, although when I first looked at your gun and saw the ivory grip cap, I thought G&R Tackle...G&R had several engravers on board and two outside stock makers...It may be worth while to email Bill Mains with a photo to see if this was a G&R made gun...The ducks on the bottom kinda look like the early work of Mains.

Mains has a website, perhaps he would recognize it as his work or the work of Ray Swan. see http://www.billmainsengraver.com/About-Bill-Mains.html

Besides the engraving, the gun was either restocked or at the very least re-checkered which suggestes more than one skilled craftsman...and that checkering is the work a highly accomplished checkerer.

Also, I would like to apologize for Ted3000 and his vicious comment about it being a "chromed turd". He feels the need to poo-poo every every gun or post that isn't owned by someone he kisses up to. I'ts strange how the other readers find his sharp tongue socially acceptable, even when he insults a newbie. He has nothing constructive to offer, no knowledge of the gun in question, yet he was compelled to berate your gun. He did follow up with "nice gun" but too late, he had just opened the door to other mud slingers...

If it turns out that Drew's assessment is correct, then your on your way...If it looks like my GUESS may have possibility, you can email me and I will post a seven page history of G&R (with a link)

Just got off the phone...I'm printing photos of your Marlin...another Iroquois Arms Collector member is on his way to pick them up and drive them (40 mi each way) to the last surviving G&R owner to see if he recognizes it. Even if it is, he may not recognize it as hundreds of custom shotguns passed through his shop across the 60' and 70's. Either way, it's worth a try and I may have the answer later tonight.