Can Anyone Tell me more about this shotgun??

Mr.XD9mm · March 19, 2006, 12:21 AM

My father in law gave me a shotgun but I don't know anything about it.
Its a Bolt Action Marlin model # 55G (12gauge), also it has a clip underneath like a rifle that holds a couple of shells. Can anyone supply me with info for this rifle and what it might be worth? Have never seen a shotgun like this before and thought it was neat being a bolt action 12gauge.
Thank

tBlake08 · March 19, 2006, 12:43 AM

I can tell you it's not an 870...which every self respecting shot gun is. But thats about as far as my knowledge goes on the subject.

Dfariswheel · March 19, 2006, 12:51 AM

The original Marlin Model 55 was made from 1950 to 1965.
It was available in 12, 16, or 20 gauge versions, with 26" or 28" barrels in Full choke.
It was also available with an adjustable choke.

The Model 55 was also available as the Model 55 Goose Gun, which came in 12 gauge only, and with a 36" barrel.
The Goose Gun was sold from 1962 to 1096.

The Model 55 GDL was the Goose Gun with a black synthetic stock.

The Model 55 Swamp Gun, had a 20" barrel.
It was sold from 1963 to 1965.

The Model 55 Slug Gun had a 24" barrel and a Cylinder Bore choke.
Made from 1974 to 1983.

These bolt action shotguns were usually sold as "budget guns" for use by farmers, and as minimal hunting guns.

Value on a standard, original Model 55 would be "about" $100 in new condition.

Mr.XD9mm · March 19, 2006, 01:05 AM

Are there any problems with these guns? What is the most common part that wears out gets replaced most often?

What is the maximum length of shot shell I can use in it?
Father in law gave me a full box of Remington ShurShot Heavy Dove in 2 3/4Length, 1 1/8 oz shot in #6 velocity is 1255fps.

Would this do the trick if I needed to use these defensively? Also, have a Springfield XD 9mm that has a 15rd Mag that I would grab if the situation arrived to punch some more holes in case these 12gauge rounds, would not slow down the attacker.

BerettaCougar · March 19, 2006, 01:16 AM

I hunt with a guy who uses a bolt action 12gauge.

Not sure if its of the same brand.
But it's pretty accurate at about 100 yards, and a 3" slug packs enough punch for a big deer.

Put some nice optics on it, and youre set.

ACTIV makes some pretty powerfull 3" slugs you may want to look at. (if your gun accepts 3" shells)

If youre looking for a defensive shotgun, go with a Remington 870 or Mossberg 590...theres a few other choices out there that are also awesome like the Benelli, Beretta, Ithica, FN (awesome shotgun).

Pump or semi is the only way to go for defensive shotguns (IMO).

maas · March 20, 2006, 04:29 AM

i knew a guy that had one in 16ga thats about all it just stayed in his closet
oh and as far as the 870 goes its a good pump shotgun,but its no model 12

Dfariswheel · March 20, 2006, 03:07 PM

There are no problems with the Marlin bolt shotguns.
Most bolt action shotguns are bottom of the line budget guns made for people unable or unwilling to spend more for a pump or even a double gun.

However, the Marlin was one of the best quality bolt shotguns ever made.

As far as I know, there are no parts that are prone to breakage, but if they do, there are plenty of parts available from Gun Parts Corporation:
http://www.e-gunparts.com/productsch...rModel=082Zz55

The maximum length of shells you can use should be marked on the barrel, either 2 3/4" or 3".

The shells you have are not really suited for home defense.
Bird shot is "for birds" and is too small, with totally insufficient penetration for HD use.
True, bird shot does make big, gapping, bloody holes, BUT they're big, gapping, bloody SHALLOW holes that fail to penetrate deeply enough to stop someone.

For home defense you'd be much better off buying some buckshot.
Most people use either 00 (large) or #4 (small) buckshot loads, and many people today are buying either size in the "reduced recoil" type which reduces the heavy recoil.

March 19, 2006, 12:21 AM	#1
Mr.XD9mm Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 199	Can Anyone Tell me more about this shotgun?? My father in law gave me a shotgun but I don't know anything about it. Its a Bolt Action Marlin model # 55G (12gauge), also it has a clip underneath like a rifle that holds a couple of shells. Can anyone supply me with info for this rifle and what it might be worth? Have never seen a shotgun like this before and thought it was neat being a bolt action 12gauge. Thank

March 19, 2006, 12:43 AM	#2
tBlake08 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2006 Location: West/Middle TN Posts: 178	I can tell you it's not an 870...which every self respecting shot gun is. But thats about as far as my knowledge goes on the subject.

March 19, 2006, 12:51 AM	#3
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	The original Marlin Model 55 was made from 1950 to 1965. It was available in 12, 16, or 20 gauge versions, with 26" or 28" barrels in Full choke. It was also available with an adjustable choke. The Model 55 was also available as the Model 55 Goose Gun, which came in 12 gauge only, and with a 36" barrel. The Goose Gun was sold from 1962 to 1096. The Model 55 GDL was the Goose Gun with a black synthetic stock. The Model 55 Swamp Gun, had a 20" barrel. It was sold from 1963 to 1965. The Model 55 Slug Gun had a 24" barrel and a Cylinder Bore choke. Made from 1974 to 1983. These bolt action shotguns were usually sold as "budget guns" for use by farmers, and as minimal hunting guns. Value on a standard, original Model 55 would be "about" $100 in new condition.

March 19, 2006, 01:05 AM	#4
Mr.XD9mm Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 199	Any problems with these guns? Are there any problems with these guns? What is the most common part that wears out gets replaced most often? What is the maximum length of shot shell I can use in it? Father in law gave me a full box of Remington ShurShot Heavy Dove in 2 3/4Length, 1 1/8 oz shot in #6 velocity is 1255fps. Would this do the trick if I needed to use these defensively? Also, have a Springfield XD 9mm that has a 15rd Mag that I would grab if the situation arrived to punch some more holes in case these 12gauge rounds, would not slow down the attacker.

March 19, 2006, 01:16 AM	#5
BerettaCougar Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 1,224	I hunt with a guy who uses a bolt action 12gauge. Not sure if its of the same brand. But it's pretty accurate at about 100 yards, and a 3" slug packs enough punch for a big deer. Put some nice optics on it, and youre set. ACTIV makes some pretty powerfull 3" slugs you may want to look at. (if your gun accepts 3" shells) If youre looking for a defensive shotgun, go with a Remington 870 or Mossberg 590...theres a few other choices out there that are also awesome like the Benelli, Beretta, Ithica, FN (awesome shotgun). Pump or semi is the only way to go for defensive shotguns (IMO).

March 20, 2006, 04:29 AM	#6
maas Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2005 Location: The state of Jefferson Posts: 897	i knew a guy that had one in 16ga thats about all it just stayed in his closet oh and as far as the 870 goes its a good pump shotgun,but its no model 12 __________________ I don't try to offend....some times i get lucky! There's always one thing that makes Republicans look good on election day...........Democrats!

March 20, 2006, 03:07 PM	#7
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	There are no problems with the Marlin bolt shotguns. Most bolt action shotguns are bottom of the line budget guns made for people unable or unwilling to spend more for a pump or even a double gun. However, the Marlin was one of the best quality bolt shotguns ever made. As far as I know, there are no parts that are prone to breakage, but if they do, there are plenty of parts available from Gun Parts Corporation: http://www.e-gunparts.com/productsch...rModel=082Zz55 The maximum length of shells you can use should be marked on the barrel, either 2 3/4" or 3". The shells you have are not really suited for home defense. Bird shot is "for birds" and is too small, with totally insufficient penetration for HD use. True, bird shot does make big, gapping, bloody holes, BUT they're big, gapping, bloody SHALLOW holes that fail to penetrate deeply enough to stop someone. For home defense you'd be much better off buying some buckshot. Most people use either 00 (large) or #4 (small) buckshot loads, and many people today are buying either size in the "reduced recoil" type which reduces the heavy recoil.