Research: Marlin Barrel Finish
Printed From: The Carbine Collector's Club
Category: The Club
Forum Name: Club Requests and Member Submissions
Forum Description: Submissions, Spotters Reports, Documents, Sharp Eyes Dept.
URL: http://www.uscarbinecal30.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1160
Printed Date: Apr 16 2024 at 1:09pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Research: Marlin Barrel Finish
Posted By: NewScotlander
Subject: Research: Marlin Barrel Finish
Date Posted: Jan 12 2016 at 10:26am
Have a theory that all Marlin barrels came from the factory with a black oxide finish (blued). Anyone have an original carbine with Marlin barrel that does not have a black oxide finish?  
|
Replies:
Posted By: New2brass
Date Posted: Jan 12 2016 at 7:11pm
|
Interesting one, I have a file on Marlin barrels I have handled, none black oxide that I remember. But if were asking for info on Marlin I will add this. Any one seen a mark like this on a Marlin barrel.  I will add this NPM 4119xxx has the lightest of blast if at all, might just be crystallization of phosphate. It may be original finish |
Posted By: Dave Tennent
Date Posted: Feb 01 2016 at 7:38pm
 My NPM 'U' carbine has a Marlin barrel. The color is dark but I wouldn't call it black. The front sight is marked 'SN' and has a reverse 'SN' under the sight blade. ------------- Dave |
Posted By: NewScotlander
Date Posted: Feb 01 2016 at 8:19pm
| Can you post a picture of the barrel with the hand guard off? It is easier to tell the finish type by looking at a protected part of the barrel. |
Posted By: Dave Tennent
Date Posted: Feb 01 2016 at 9:19pm
 I know what you mean but I don't have the shot that you need. I'll have to take some pics (probably this Saturday) and get back to you.  ------------- Dave |
Posted By: NewScotlander
Date Posted: Feb 02 2016 at 1:30pm
| I look forward to seeing them. Looking at the picture of the side view of the gas cylinder, that could be a black oxide finish. |
Posted By: aschaefer
Date Posted: Feb 02 2016 at 3:52pm
Here are some, unfortunately not so good, pictures of the Marlin barrel of my NPM M1.      |
Posted By: Dave Tennent
Date Posted: Feb 02 2016 at 6:27pm
|
Hello Aschaefer, Your NPM has a 'U' stamped on the bevel below the serial number doesn't it? I noticed in your photo that there's a comma stamped on the front ring between the .30 and the M1. That means your NPM receiver was made by Union Switch & Signal and US&S only made 48,000 of them for NPM. Any time you see a carbine for sale that has a comma on the front ring, buy it! That means it's either a NPM 'U' or an UN-QUALITY. Later, Dave 'love the comma' Tennent ------------- Dave |
Posted By: aschaefer
Date Posted: Feb 03 2016 at 6:57am
Very good eye for the details! You are absolutely right Dave, it has a 'U' on the bevel. That was one of the reasons I bought this NPM.
|
Dave Tennent wrote:Posted By: Scott C.
Date Posted: Feb 03 2016 at 11:05am
| I have never noticed that comma before. So I took a look at mine and sure enough it is there!! |
Posted By: Dave Tennent
Date Posted: Feb 03 2016 at 6:34pm
I forgot to mention that early Quality H.M.C. carbines also have this front ring comma up to serial number 1621877. QHMC carbine 1633386 and beyond do not have the comma. Somewhere inside this range of serial numbers is where the comma went away. If you have one or know someone who has a QHMC carbine within this serial number range please let me know and I'll add it to my spread sheet and narrow the gap. All NPM 'U' and all UN-QUALITY receivers that I've seen have the comma on the front ring. Newsletter 380-19 has a short blurb on this "comma question".  QHMC 1581622 ------------- Dave |
Posted By: aschaefer
Date Posted: Feb 04 2016 at 6:38am
Here is the receiver ring of my Quality H.M.C. carbines with number 1552900 |
Posted By: Dave Tennent
Date Posted: Feb 05 2016 at 3:06pm
|
Hello NewScott, Here's some pics of my NPM Marlin barrel. The color is darker than the greenish patina of the barrel band and receiver. I hope this helps in your research.        ------------- Dave |
Posted By: Marty Black
Date Posted: Feb 10 2016 at 2:24pm
|
I agree, NSL....In my long-term, but still limited collecting experience (and bad memory = disclaimer!), every Marlin barrel that I've seen on a factory-original carbine has been a blue/black color. Decades ago, the Garand collectors discussed a limited-production run of Marlin barrels for the M1 Rifle during WWII. They too were blue/black oxide, and were appropriately called "Blue Marlins" by Mr. Garand's inner circle. If you are interested in learning more about those, PM me and I'll give you Billy Pyle's email address. Regards, Marty Black ------------- Marty Black |
Posted By: Marty Black
Date Posted: Feb 10 2016 at 3:47pm
|
That looks good in my book, Dave! Nice! Marty Black ------------- Marty Black |
Posted By: NewScotlander
Date Posted: Feb 10 2016 at 5:20pm
I believe that's a black oxide finish. Here's another picture of the Marlin barrel on my NPM. Nice NPM U by the way.
|
Posted By: Marty Black
Date Posted: Feb 10 2016 at 11:06pm
|
Man, that's as nice as a NPM with a Marlin bbl gets! Fantastic contrast! No wonder the Garand guys call them "Blue Marlins!" Thanks for sharing, Marty Black ------------- Marty Black |
Posted By: Johnboy490
Date Posted: Feb 18 2016 at 3:01pm
|
I have a npm ,Marlin barrel that has a similar mark like that ,I thought it was 3 if you would like to see it send your email..to Johnboy490@gmail.com |
Posted By: carbinecanuck
Date Posted: Nov 11 2017 at 11:40pm
|
Here is a decent picture showing contrast between my NPM's original park finish and its MARLIN barrel ....  ------------- Courage is fear holding on a minute longer. - GEORGE S. PATTON |
Posted By: MalteseHawk
Date Posted: Jan 08 2018 at 2:14am
| My NPM (U) Carbine has a Marlin barrel and it too is a blued one. It is in the #43475xx range. I have another NPM with a Marlin barrel #42101xx, but I will need to dig it out to check if it is blued. |