Marlin Model 1898

Marlin Model 1898 with 32" barrel - 12 gauge

Marlin Model 1898 with 20" barrel - 12 gauge

The Marlin Model 1898 is a pump-action shotgun developed by Marlin Firearms to compete with Winchester's Model 1893/1897; like that shotgun, it features an exposed hammer and bolt, though the Marlin's is distinctively exposed on the right-hand side, similarly to the same company's Model 1894 lever-action rifle. While overall a well-made shotgun, the Marlin never quite experienced the same success as its competitor; today, they bear an unfortunate reputation for being unsafe, largely due to the lack of an inertia lock in early models (and this piece being damaged over time in later ones), which would otherwise prevent the action from opening if the chambered round failed to go off - this, in combination with the shotgun's ability to be slam-fired, could cause a hang-fired shell (one whose powder charge failed to properly go off immediately upon firing) to be extracted manually, then go off out of battery, damaging the shotgun and/or injuring the shooter. This would lead to the Marlin being specifically banned from use in certain shooting competitions (SASS cowboy action shooting in particular), though in practice this issue is generally blown out of proportion, requiring rapid firing and cycling of low-quality ammunition to present a significant risk. Nevertheless, it is generally recommended that any owner of the shotgun have it examined, with owners of early/damaged models being discouraged from firing them rapidly, or in some cases, simply at all.

Specifications

(1898 - 1934)

Type: Shotgun

Caliber: 12 gauge, 16 gauge

Capacity: 5 shells in underbarrel tubular magazine

Fire Modes: Pump-action

Television

Show Title	Actor	Character	Note / Episode	Air Date
Boardwalk Empire		Corrupt detective	"Erlkönig" (4.05).	2010

Video Games

Game Title	Appears as	Note	Release Date
Dead Man's Hand	"Martin Pump Action"		2004

See Also

• Marlin Firearms - A list of all firearms manufactured by Marlin Firearms.