Found one in a local ad, looks like a Marlin, but definately is a Mossberg. 24" rifle model, very good condition, recoil pad is roached, no cross bolt safety. Guy's asking $375, anyone know about these things?

The Mossberg 472s and 479s aren't bad rifles, usually as accurate as any of the comparable Marins and Winchesters. The 20" barrel carbines with pistol grip stocks seem to be the most common. I've owned a half-dozen of them and still have 2 that shoot 2 MOA at 100 yards with any brand and style of 30-30 factory ammo that I feed it. I've never seen one of the 24" barrel rifles. If it interests you and the only defect is the recoil pad, it is probably worth buying. If I saw it in the condition that you've described, I'd probably give $375 for it 'cause I like the balance of Marlin 336As and Winchester 64s. IIRC, Mossberg cataloged them in 30-30 and 35 REM. You might be able to get a replacement recoil pad from Havlin Sales.

Thanks for the input 260Remguy.

I have only seen one Mossberg 472 for sale, it was in a pawn shop in Temple, TX back in the early 90s

My first deer rifle more than fourty years ago. Trigger pull was just under fifty pounds and wouldn't eject except with a fast lever throw at a level position. And then only if you were lucky. Never did drop a deer with it. That came later with a 308 bolt action.
It sat around for a long long time in various closets and finally a safe. Finally traded it straight across for a quality scope at a gun show last year. I think I got the better end of that deal.

You can purchase a Glenfield model 30 for that price and have yourself a JM Marlin branded carbine. I suggest pass on the 472.

Sherwood

The OP is looking at a 24" barreled rifle, not a 20" barreled carbine.