Search one of the gun auction sites like Guns America, you should get some idea of the market. Yes, some of the early Marlins had issues, someone should speak up soon.

 

The hammer Model 24 shotgun was made in the 1920s. Marlin issued a warning in 2001 that these hammer type shotguns, especially earlier ones (1898, 19 etc) should not be used. I used 1898s in Cowboy action for a number of years and found them to be faster and more reliable than Winchester 1897s but SASS outlawed them.

I still own an original two digit 1898 that I do shoot on occasion with low power shells.

The 24 is OK to shoot with light loads, have it checked by an experienced GS. Don't pay over $150 for it.

DD

 

In all my years I never saw one have any issues with standard game loads.