POTD: Open Bolt Oops! – The Marlin Model 50 22LR Rifle
Sam.S 11.29.23
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Marlin Firearms’ inaugural foray into semi-automatic rimfires, the Marlin Model 50 rifle launched in 1932 to fanfare but fizzled out swiftly. As the company’s first autoloading .22, it represented a stepping stone toward their later rimfire achievements. However, the open bolt design, while allowing discharged cases to eject cleanly, invited modifications converting the rifle to fully automatic fire. With civilians easily able to transform the Marlin Model 50 into a “machine gun,” authorities suppressed its availability, demanding surrender or destruction of nearly the entire production run. Surviving documentation suggests fewer than 5,000 Model 50s were assembled before the prohibitive recall circa 1934. Yet for collectors, the scarce Model 50 retains allure as a rare bird. Its flaws proved lethal, but in more prudent hands, the rifle’s takedown frame, 22” barrel, and adjustable sights could deliver on the accuracy Marlin products would soon be renowned for. The Model 50’s demise was rapid, but as builders of rimfire arms par excellence, Marlin surely learned vital lessons from this short-lived product of mixed fortunes.
“The lot features a Marlin Firearms Corp. Model 50 Auto Loading .22 LR semi-automatic rifle. This is a very rare rifle as most were recalled, destroyed or converted. Manufactured from 1932-1934 with only less than 5,000 ever being produced and little remaining. This was Marlins first auto loading rimfire rifle and began their dominance in the .22 firearm world. This takedown model features a 22” round barrel chambered in .22 Long Rifle. The rifle has a dovetailed front sight and adjustable rear. The top of the barrel is stamped “The Marlin Firearms Co. New-Haven Conn. U.S.A. Patent Applied For” and the left of the barrel reads “22 Long Rifle”. The left side of the receiver is marked “Marlin Model 50 Autoloading”. This RARE semi automatic rifle boasts a straight grain walnut stock showing signs of use and large crack through the pistol grip.”
Marlin Model 50 .22 Open Bolt Auto Rifle RARE. (n.d.). Bidsquare Inc. photograph. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/north-american-auction/marlin-model-50-22-open-bolt-auto-rifle-rare-1969922.
