I have a Marlin 410 shotgun made sometime between 1929 and 1932, the years of production. It bears a very low serial number so it probably was made in 1929 or early 1930.
Anyway, it's in great shape but was reblued by someone long ago. In doing so, they got a l ittle heavy-handed with the buffing wheel and half of some of the markings are gone.
Thus, I can use it for hunting and plinking without worrying that I'm destroying a collectible.
It takes the 2-1/2 shotgun shell, as they all did. Its full choke will put nearly all of its pellets on a 9" paper plate at 25 yards. I used it to hunt grouse in Idaho at one time and it was okay for that but lacking in range.
After having to hold fire on a few longer shots, I bought a Remington 870 Youth Model in 20 gauge, with interchangeable chokes. A GREAT shotgun for small game in heavy cover.
But I'd never give up the little Marlin .410. It's still a fun shooter and always brings a lot of interest at the local gravel pit.
And you're right ... the heavy-barreled, rifle-sighted Marlin and Winchester 410s are abominations: heavy, clumsy and the pointability of a warped 2X4.
I don't know what either company was thinking, but they SURE didn't hunt with the prototypes before producing them.
I predict a short life for both of these models. They're ill-conceived and nearly worthless as useable shotguns.
Let them discontinue them. I'll still have my original Marlin 410 --- the pattern for what should have been produced!