[lever addict]

What's the difference between the ribbed and non ribbed models? I hope to have a 90 before long and get back into trap shooting! ;D

 

[BarkeyVA]

It is my understanding that Marlin never offered Model 90's with ventilated ribs. Simmons and Polychoke did sell aftermarket ribs for them and some Model 90's with vent. ribs do come up for sale once in a while. Some time ago, a friend obtained a 20 ga. Model 90 with 26" and 28" barrels with Polychoke ribs. The gun came with the original box and a letter indicating that it was a gift from Marlin for some VIP.

 

[lever addict]

Sorry I meant the rib between the barrels.

 

[BarkeyVA]

According to Brophy in his book on Marlin Firearms, Model 90's made prior to 1949 have the rib between the barrels. However, there must have been a transition period because I have a 16 ga. with a "D" serial number ( 1947) that has the rib and I have a 12 ga. with "D" serial number that is open between the barrels. My "G" serial number Model 90 made in 1950 is open between the barrels.

 

[lever addict]

Thanks Barkey good info there. I just picked up a Ranger model. 12 ga 30" tubes. pretty good shape. I don't have it yet, but will post pics when it gets here! There is a crack in the tang area of the butt. Nice wood! I have seen this on a couple model 90's. It must be a common problem. I'll take care of that and give it a bit of TLC. I'm getting back into clays after a break of 30 some years! ;D

 

[BarkeyVA]

Is this your first Model 90? Sears used the Ranger name prior to WWII. After WWII the Model 90's were sold under the JC Higgins name. The 30" barrels were typically choked Mod and Full. I have a very early Ranger 103-1 12 ga. with 30" barrels. The upper lever is attached to the frame with a flathead screw and it has the first generation forearm (the forearm iron mates with the bottom half of the frame and the wood extends over the forearm iron and mates with the top half of the frame). Definitely used but still shoots good. Haven't shot trap with it though. It has been well over 30 years since I shot trap too. The nearest trap and skeet club is about 45 min. from here and is Members Only except for a couple of Fun Shoots in the winter. It is kind of pricey to join. I now mostly shoot sporting clays, 5-stand and a wobble clays set-up at a public club about 30 minutes from home. No other skeet fields close either.

 

[lever addict]

Yes it's my first. Full and modified built by Marlin for Sears. Basicly a model 90. Nice! ;D

 

[BarkeyVA]

I'm sure you will enjoy shooting it. A guy who posts fairly regularly on the 16 ga. web site calls his a "magic wand" because it shoots so good.