Marlin Model 90 / Sears Ranger 103-1 12 Gauge Over/Under, 28-inch, Early 1936-1937, Extractor, Ribless Separated Barrels
Built by Marlin for Sears Roebuck & Co under the Ranger name, this early Sears Ranger 103-1 is mechanically the Marlin Model 90. It is an early-production example from circa 1936-1937 with matching low four-digit serial numbers on the receiver and barrels. The gun features the Model 90’s distinctive ribless, separated 28-inch barrels and extractor-only operation, making it a noteworthy piece for those interested in Marlin-built house-brand over/unders from the 1930s.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
The receiver’s original finish has aged into a consistent grey-brown patina. The barrels show a few minor spots of external surface pitting. The walnut stock and forearm display handling marks, scratches, and dings, and the stock has a white/ivory buttplate installed and secured with two screws.
What’s Included
- Marlin Model 90 / Sears Ranger 103-1 12 Gauge over/under shotgun
Marlin produced this over/under for Sears under the Ranger brand, with Marlin’s designation being the Model 90. As a private-label variant, it retains the same mechanical design and handling characteristics as the Marlin-marked guns while carrying Sears’ Ranger 103-1 marking.
This example aligns with early Model 90 production, circa 1936-1937. It has matching low four-digit serial numbers on both the receiver and the barrel set, a detail collectors often look for to confirm originality of the major components.
The 28-inch barrels are the Model 90 pattern with no top rib and fully separated tubes, joined near the muzzle by a small spacer. A brass front bead provides a clean sight picture. Operation is extractor-only (non-ejector), with break-action loading and a tang-mounted sliding safety.
Construction is all steel for the receiver and barrels with a blued finish, paired with utility-grade walnut furniture. The stock has a round-knob pistol-grip and the forearm is long and rounded. Length of pull measures 14.0 inches.