Marlin Model 55 Goose Gun 12 Gauge Bolt-Action, 36-Inch Barrel, 3-Inch Chamber, Detachable Magazine
The Marlin Model 55 Goose Gun is a classic hunting shotgun purpose designed for goose hunting. This U.S.-made bolt-action features a long 36-inch barrel and a 3-inch magnum chamber, with the barrel rollmarked "THE ORIGINAL MARLIN GOOSE GUN 3 INCH MAGNUM CHAMBER." It uses a detachable box magazine for a 2+1 capacity, shows the JM barrel stamp, and the receiver is drilled and tapped. Published specs list an overall length of about 56.75 inches and a weight of approximately 8 lb.
Key period features include the turned-down bolt handle with a round knob, an uncheckered wood stock with a ventilated rubber recoil pad, and sling swivel studs. This example dates to the 1960s–1980s era and retains a clean, shiny bore while offering the long-barreled configuration that made the Goose Gun a standout for waterfowl work.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Specific Condition Notes: The stock is broken in half and will need to be repaired or replaced. There is light surface corrosion along the barrel and receiver, with pitting present in the finish and scattered scratches and blemishes. The shotgun itself presents as solid despite the broken stock.
What’s Included
- Detachable steel box magazine, 2-round (Marlin Model 55 pattern)
- Broken wood buttstock section with ventilated rubber recoil pad and rear sling swivel stud (detached)
This Model 55 Goose Gun highlights Marlin’s purpose-driven design for long-range waterfowl hunting. The 36-inch barrel and 3-inch magnum chamber were configured to pattern tightly and carry distance, and the barrel itself is marked to emphasize the Goose Gun lineage. The bore condition is excellent, which is a strong point for a shooter-focused restoration or parts replacement project.
The detachable box magazine system provides a 2+1 capacity, a distinctive trait among bolt-action shotguns of the period. The bolt handle is turned down with a round knob for controlled operation. The receiver is drilled and tapped, with the holes visible on the receiver ring.