Marlin Arms Model 55 "Goose Gun"

Coeloptera · 12-09-2007, 10:26 PM

A friend of my wife's is storing some stuff in our garage until he gets his new place and I noticed he had an interesting-looking firearm that he didn't know much about aside from the fact that it was his grandfather's.

A quick look showed me it was a Marlin Arms Model 55 "Goose Gun". It's not in bad shape, but there does seem to be some rust buildup or some sort of corrosion along the outside of the barrel (which seems odd to me, but I haven't had a chance to really look it over), and the wood definitely needs some care. I told him I'd take care of it and, over the next week. I'll be working on it and also checking the bolt, magazine, and springs (I'm no gunsmith, but I can do that much).

Now here's what I'm wondering. The gun seems to have a serial number stamped into the barrel and a little stamp that says "JM" inside of an arc near the manufacturer's information. The butt plate has been replaced, and I'm not sure the strap rings are original, either. Is it possible to determine date and place of manufacture with the serial number? Also, I have no clue what these things are worth (I can't imagine too much), but he'd just like to know.

So, can anyone help me out? Also, what's the deal with that seems to be a two-round box mag?

My camera's being borrowed right now. I'll have pics probably in a day or two.

- Coeloptera

Mooseman684 · 12-09-2007, 10:37 PM

The Model 55 goose Gun was 36 inch barreled and 3 " chamber, 2 shot mag, leather carry strap and detachable swivels, walnut stock with rubber recoil pad, 8 lbs. Mfg. 1962-1996. value as described...100 bucks.
Rich

Coeloptera · 12-10-2007, 01:19 PM

Well, that does help. 1962 is the earliest possible date of manufacture huh?

Yeah, I didn't figure it was worth much. I guess he has it for sentimental value.

So what is the purpose of a two round box mag on a bolt-action shotgun anyway? That configuration just seems very weird to me.

- Coeloptera

two-70 · 12-10-2007, 01:32 PM

mooseman is correct

raymond_d_37148 · 12-10-2007, 01:34 PM

reason for 2 shot mag was fed's limited duck and goose hunters to 3 rounds at a time as most pumps and autos are pluged also..... do it have a adjustable choke mine did i had the 12 ga 16 ga and 20ga....heard about a 10ga but never could find 1 for sale

Coeloptera · 12-10-2007, 02:12 PM

It's a 12 ga. and does have an adjustable choke.

I didn't know about any federal restrictions on capacity for that. Do you have any more details? Is this still current in some places? See, I'd just expect hunters to use a double-barreled shotgun that breaks in that case.

- Coeloptera

robbinsj · 01-27-2008, 05:22 PM

I was reading your post and wondered if you could help me. I just recently purchased a very old model 55 with a 20" barrel. This is neither the slug gun version with the rifled barrel nor the swamp gun with the poly choke. It looks like it had a peep sight at the rear left side of the receiver. The two screws are still on the gun, but no sight. The gun is a real fixer-up which I am in the process of reblueing and refinishing. Does anyone know anything about this shotgun? robbinsj

Uncle Red · 01-27-2008, 06:34 PM

Robbinsj:
Welcome to G&G. It sounds like "Bubba-the-gunsmith" has been hackin' on it. Do you have any pics you could post?

-UR

robbinsj · 01-29-2008, 09:57 AM

Uncle Red,

I'll take some pics and see if I can figure out how to load them into the posts. It may take a day or two.

nathangdad · 01-29-2008, 03:39 PM

Kano Laboratories KROIL product is an excellent gun restoration product in that it will get between surfaces as close as one-millionth of an inch to eliminate rust plus it leaves a protective coating on the metal. You might check out the web or some auto parts houses for this product.

Good old Boiled Linseed Oil is great for a stock refinish.

Your gun seems basically in line with this model as it came from Marlin.

Ricochet · 01-29-2008, 08:18 PM

I have a Goose Gun that I bought new (for about $55-60, IIRC) circa 1970. Still about new condition. It has a dull finish that looks like a military oil finish on the stock. They probably soaked it in tung oil as the Army did Garands.

Coeloptera, if you look at your state hunting regulations you'll find the restrictions on guns, shot types and magazine capacities for various species.

robbinsj · 02-04-2008, 11:20 PM

Nathangdad,

Thanks for the tip on Kroil Oil. I just picked up 2 8oz. cans from e-bay for around $20.00. Not a bad price from what I've seen. I didn't need a gallon. Will try it this weekend.

william osborne · 02-26-2008, 06:37 PM

i would like 2 buy 1 do u know any 1 who has 1?

samuel · 02-27-2008, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbinsj

Nathangdad,

Thanks for the tip on Kroil Oil. I just picked up 2 8oz. cans from e-bay for around $20.00. Not a bad price from what I've seen. I didn't need a gallon. Will try it this weekend.

That Kroil is great stuff just as nathangdad stated but will lead to lawyer talk if you use it inside and have a wife.Rubber gloves help too.

2amendmentman · 06-12-2009, 02:08 PM

Does anyone have an idea if the Marlin goose gun has appreciated in value since the last post on this thread?

And where do I pick up some shells? I am not familiar with 3in magnum.

samuel · 06-13-2009, 12:08 AM

Nope,same price,$100.in 100% condition with adjustible choke.You can pick up 3"mags about anywhere they sell shotgun shells but they must be non-toxic for waterfowl. (Steel,Bismouth,Tungsten.) ,,,sam.

2amendmentman · 06-13-2009, 10:58 AM

Thanks, Sam. I also noticed my Marlin has a gold seal on the right side of the butt stamped Marlin 1870, and 1970. Some kind of anniversary special? I have not noticed this on any of the pictures online. Any significance?

One last question, I also read about chokes. How can I tell how my gun is choked?

Thanks!

buckeyeguy142 · 06-17-2009, 03:39 PM

anybody want sale one of those let me know

2amendmentman · 07-14-2009, 04:18 PM

Are extended clips available and/or legal for the Goose Gun?

dogknott · 07-15-2009, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckeyeguy142

anybody want sale one of those let me know

I'll buy EVERY one I find for 100$

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2amendmentman

Are extended clips available and/or legal for the Goose Gun?

Why? No need. Not really gonna be prime snow goose gun, that would be the ONLY place in waterfowling it could be used

12-09-2007, 10:26 PM	#1
Coeloptera Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 3,561	Marlin Arms Model 55 "Goose Gun" A friend of my wife's is storing some stuff in our garage until he gets his new place and I noticed he had an interesting-looking firearm that he didn't know much about aside from the fact that it was his grandfather's. A quick look showed me it was a Marlin Arms Model 55 "Goose Gun". It's not in bad shape, but there does seem to be some rust buildup or some sort of corrosion along the outside of the barrel (which seems odd to me, but I haven't had a chance to really look it over), and the wood definitely needs some care. I told him I'd take care of it and, over the next week. I'll be working on it and also checking the bolt, magazine, and springs (I'm no gunsmith, but I can do that much). Now here's what I'm wondering. The gun seems to have a serial number stamped into the barrel and a little stamp that says "JM" inside of an arc near the manufacturer's information. The butt plate has been replaced, and I'm not sure the strap rings are original, either. Is it possible to determine date and place of manufacture with the serial number? Also, I have no clue what these things are worth (I can't imagine too much), but he'd just like to know. So, can anyone help me out? Also, what's the deal with that seems to be a two-round box mag? My camera's being borrowed right now. I'll have pics probably in a day or two. - Coeloptera

12-09-2007, 10:37 PM	#2
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness. Unit 13 Posts: 11,307 Images: 2	The Model 55 goose Gun was 36 inch barreled and 3 " chamber, 2 shot mag, leather carry strap and detachable swivels, walnut stock with rubber recoil pad, 8 lbs. Mfg. 1962-1996. value as described...100 bucks. Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

12-10-2007, 01:32 PM	#4
two-70 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: ponca city, oklahoma Posts: 1,783	mooseman is correct __________________ What Would Jesus Do ????? Just Ask Him.

01-27-2008, 05:22 PM	#7
robbinsj Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 3	Marlin Model 55 Shotgun I was reading your post and wondered if you could help me. I just recently purchased a very old model 55 with a 20" barrel. This is neither the slug gun version with the rifled barrel nor the swamp gun with the poly choke. It looks like it had a peep sight at the rear left side of the receiver. The two screws are still on the gun, but no sight. The gun is a real fixer-up which I am in the process of reblueing and refinishing. Does anyone know anything about this shotgun? robbinsj

01-27-2008, 06:34 PM	#8
Uncle Red Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Indiana Posts: 630	Robbinsj: Welcome to G&G. It sounds like "Bubba-the-gunsmith" has been hackin' on it. Do you have any pics you could post? -UR __________________ "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed"--Amendment II, Bill of Rights "He that would make his own liberty secure must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself."--Thomas Paine "He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one." - Jesus, Luke 22:36

12-10-2007, 01:19 PM	#3
Coeloptera Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 3,561	Well, that does help. 1962 is the earliest possible date of manufacture huh? Yeah, I didn't figure it was worth much. I guess he has it for sentimental value. So what is the purpose of a two round box mag on a bolt-action shotgun anyway? That configuration just seems very weird to me. - Coeloptera

12-10-2007, 01:34 PM	#5
raymond_d_37148 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 4	reason for 2 shot mag was fed's limited duck and goose hunters to 3 rounds at a time as most pumps and autos are pluged also..... do it have a adjustable choke mine did i had the 12 ga 16 ga and 20ga....heard about a 10ga but never could find 1 for sale

12-10-2007, 02:12 PM	#6
Coeloptera Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 3,561	It's a 12 ga. and does have an adjustable choke. I didn't know about any federal restrictions on capacity for that. Do you have any more details? Is this still current in some places? See, I'd just expect hunters to use a double-barreled shotgun that breaks in that case. - Coeloptera

01-29-2008, 09:57 AM	#9
robbinsj Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 3	Marlin Model 55 Shotgun Uncle Red, I'll take some pics and see if I can figure out how to load them into the posts. It may take a day or two.

01-29-2008, 03:39 PM	#10
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 5,164	KROIL Kano Laboratories KROIL product is an excellent gun restoration product in that it will get between surfaces as close as one-millionth of an inch to eliminate rust plus it leaves a protective coating on the metal. You might check out the web or some auto parts houses for this product. Good old Boiled Linseed Oil is great for a stock refinish. Your gun seems basically in line with this model as it came from Marlin.

01-29-2008, 08:18 PM	#11
Ricochet Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Bristol, Tennessee, USA Posts: 166	I have a Goose Gun that I bought new (for about $55-60, IIRC) circa 1970. Still about new condition. It has a dull finish that looks like a military oil finish on the stock. They probably soaked it in tung oil as the Army did Garands. Coeloptera, if you look at your state hunting regulations you'll find the restrictions on guns, shot types and magazine capacities for various species. __________________ "A cheerful heart is good medicine." Last edited by Ricochet; 01-29-2008 at 08:26 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

02-04-2008, 11:20 PM	#12
robbinsj Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 3	kroil oil Nathangdad, Thanks for the tip on Kroil Oil. I just picked up 2 8oz. cans from e-bay for around $20.00. Not a bad price from what I've seen. I didn't need a gallon. Will try it this weekend.

02-26-2008, 06:37 PM	#13
william osborne Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1	goose gun i would like 2 buy 1 do u know any 1 who has 1?

06-12-2009, 02:08 PM	#15
2amendmentman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 3	Does anyone have an idea if the Marlin goose gun has appreciated in value since the last post on this thread? And where do I pick up some shells? I am not familiar with 3in magnum.

06-13-2009, 12:08 AM	#16
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 10,911	Nope,same price,$100.in 100% condition with adjustible choke.You can pick up 3"mags about anywhere they sell shotgun shells but they must be non-toxic for waterfowl. (Steel,Bismouth,Tungsten.) ,,,sam.

06-13-2009, 10:58 AM	#17
2amendmentman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 3	Thanks, Sam. I also noticed my Marlin has a gold seal on the right side of the butt stamped Marlin 1870, and 1970. Some kind of anniversary special? I have not noticed this on any of the pictures online. Any significance? One last question, I also read about chokes. How can I tell how my gun is choked? Thanks!

06-17-2009, 03:39 PM	#18
buckeyeguy142 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1	anybody want sale one of those let me know

07-14-2009, 04:18 PM	#19
2amendmentman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 3	Are extended clips available and/or legal for the Goose Gun?