In my opinion, there is nothing like a good shotgun. For generations, the humble shotgun has been the go to firearm for folks who like to hunt ducks and geese. It has also been one of the many weapons that say “don’t even try it”.
Think for a second about how many mom and pop businesses you have been in over the years that likely had a shotgun under the counter in case someone decided to try something.
Now, if I were to say to you to name a company that manufactures shotguns what company do you picture? Remington? Mossberg? When I say Marlin, what exactly do you think of? Likely a fine lever action rifle such as the Model 336 or the Marlin Model 60.
Those are two conclusions that nobody would point at you and laugh over if you said them, but you can also start relating the Marlin name to shotguns.
Wanting to complete with Winchester, all the way back in 1898 Marlin got into the pump action shotgun market. Over the decades they have produced a good number of pump action shotguns, including today’s object of discussion, the Marlin Model 28.
My coming into possession of a Marlin Model 28 is actually kind of a funny story. I was purchasing the gun from a friend and he said that it was a Model 43. Well, when I got the thing home and began looking through my copy of ‘Marlin Firearms: A History of the Guns and the Company that Made Them’ I suddenly realized that my friend had sold me a Model 28 by mistake.
No big deal, he sold it to me at a friend rate and since I was in the market for an old shotgun, I certainly didn’t complain that I ended up getting one that was older than I had been originally looking for.
Over the years, the Model 28 has come in various configurations and the one we will be talking about is the one I was told, the 28A; which might as well stand for “all around.” It is a base model that can pretty much do anything.
The Model 28 has a takedown design, and the latch system seemed to be easy to use, but it didn’t exactly move much. I wasn’t going to be the fool that tried to down an over century old model to break down.
Around the barrel is a lock nut that can be tightened to eliminate any chance of play between the barrel and receiver. The gun holds six rounds, which back in the day was a ton. The Model 28 also has a removable side plate much like a revolver which I personally loved.
The chamber itself is a proper two and three-quarter inch chamber.
Now, before shooting a Model 28, you have to get yourself familiar with a series of generally odd controls. The safety? Well, on this baby it sits in front of the trigger. Lots of guns use that type of design, but with this particular gun it feels a little bit risky. It sits in the front of the trigger and is a small tab that locks a bar behind it. Pulling backwards to engage a safety that’s in front of a trigger does seem a tiny bit risky.
At the top, right on the tang, thereโs a small button that unlocks the action when the hammer is cocked, letting you cycle the gun smoothly. On the right side, youโve got another button that drops one round at a time from the magazine, making it quick and easy to unload. Just make sure your face stays clear of the bottomโthose shells fly out faster than I can move through a buffet line during a Vegas vacation.
The gun could reasonably be described as ancient, and you have to be really picky about the type of ammo that you are firing through it. Don’t try steel shot. I haven’t gone out of my way when testing the Model 28 out to put any kind of high powered loads through the gun.
Why risk something of historical importance just to throw some thunder slug downrange? For reasons like this I tend to keep a few boxes or sub-1,000 FPS trap loads and fired a few rounds through the Model 28.
I have to say, that the old man handled the shot fairly well. The gun’s mashed bead sight isn’t exactly the best in the world but it does the job. The action on the Model 28 tends to work best when handled with a slight touch. It doesn’t need to be loudly reminded that it is a pump shotgun.
As with anything, you have to know the gun’s limitations. Remember, it is very, very old. So like I said a moment ago, be very mindful of the load you are putting into this thing. I’ve overloaded guns before and blown the barrels clean off.
So try to keep it to what I mentioned earlier and you should be just fine.
The Marlin Model 28 stands out, especially from a historical angle. This gun is a true relic from a time when manufacturers were still figuring out the perfect designs for firearms.
Weโre talking about the era when innovation in gun-making was in full swingโbefore everyone settled into the modern formats weโre all familiar with today. The Model 28 is a prime example of that period of experimentation. It showcases the trial-and-error process that led to many of the designs we take for granted now.
This gun isnโt just a piece of history; itโs a symbol of the craftsmanship and ingenuity of that time. If youโre lucky enough to come across one, Iโd highly recommend grabbing it. Not only will it make a unique addition to any collection, but it also offers a hands-on experience with a firearm from a pivotal era in gun design. The Model 28 is the kind of firearm that reminds us how far weโve come and what was left behind in the process. Trust me, once you hold one in your hands, youโll appreciate the blend of history and functionality in a way you wonโt regret.
