Marlin Model 90: A good 'first' choice?

J

JasonWilliam

Moderator
The sole purpose will be skeet/trap/sporting clay usage. I don't have all the money in the world to spend, and I've already got a project underway with my Winchester M97. But I'm also wanting to pick something up to use thats not a renter, while I wait for the M97 to come back to life and to help me learn and grow as a shooter.

After asking around some, and after considering my options, I'm starting to think picking up a new pump is not the best idea. I'm already going to have a pump in the M97. And I gather that it wont take long, given my progress and goals, for me to outgrow a pump. So, I believe I'm understanding that the next 'step' is an O/U.

I'm being told to find myself a used Marlin Mod90. Apparently they can be had for $300-400? I'm also being advised to try to find the double trigger model, and the separate barrels setup.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Advise?

Again thank you guys for your time.
 
Thanks Zip, replied to.

bsw, keep in mind we're talking a very specific purpose here. As my skills progress, the equipment *might* start to become an issue in advancing those skills further. Not saying it will or has become an issue, but it very likely might. Its for then that this question is relevant.

And it gives me something to research and look out for when not at the field. :)
 
For what its worth - a used Remington 1100 or a Beretta 390 or 391 / all semi-autos - with the Remington being $ 400 or so used / is probably a better transition gun for you to get started with under $1,000.

Long Term - Zippy and others probably told you, you'll be looking for a dedicated O/U as you improve your fundamentals and reach a plateau on your scores.
 
As much as I think Marlin Model 90's are great guns (I have 8) they are fixed choke guns, and one choke combination will not be optimum for skeet, trap and sporting clays. A 12 ga. Model 90 with 28" or 30" barrels choked mod/full that would be OK for trap but not very good for skeet. On the other hand, a 12, 16 or 20 GA. Model 90 with 26" barrels choked IC/Mod would be OK for skeet and sporting clays.

A used semi-auto or O/U with choke tubes would probably be better choices for now, although you could buy two Model 90's for under $1000.
 
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