doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Marlin-LC Smith 20 gauge O/U

I saw one of these today, and I was quite impressed. It was nicely finished with a colorcased action and blackened barrels. The stock was a rather plain dark walnut with a bit of cast-off and a solid black pad, and the gun lacked engraving, but it was still a beauty. It handled like a dream: light & lively, nicely balanced just ahead of the hinge pin and fit me well. I compared it to a SKB/Weatherby that was next to it, and the Weatherby felt clumsy and sluggish. I used to think the Weatherby would be a good choice until I saw how it stacked up to the Marlin.

Do any of you know anything about these guns? I couldn't find any info on Marlin's Web site, so they must not be importing them any more. It's on sale for $799. Does that seem like a good deal?

Rick,
A limited survey, but I shot with a guy who had a new L.C. Smith/ Marlin side by side earlier this year. He had constant problems with misfires.
Could be an isolated situation, but it made me wary.

The Marlin Elsie sxs are made by Fausti. I believe the OU's are as well.

The 20 and 12 gauge SxS guns are made by Fausti. The smaller bore SxS guns are made by someone else, but I cannot recall who.

You're right, Roundsworth. Spanish, I believe. I remember noticing that the first time I looked at one of the smallbore sxs.

Does 'Zabala' ring a bell?

That's the one. Not to Alzheimer's territory yet, but sometimes afflicted by part-timers.