Can anyone identify this biathlon rifle model?
- Thread starter J996
- Start date
Fully semi-automatic assault weapon of war (obviously).
I have taught a few youths to shoot with those, unfortunately they can’t go to the range any time soon so a biathlon rifle it is. I like the bolt and layout of this one, just have no clue what make/model it is.
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If someone has indicated that these are used by Olympic athletes for training, where do you see it?
Regarding the short stock, it's worth noting that the stock on this model has an adjustable LOP.
The Marlin 2000s and other cheaper options like Savage MkIIs are frequently used for junior club-level biathlon. Very few are going to start out with their parents buying them an Anschuetz 1827F (new or used, or even an old Izhmash)
In this case, the pictures show that the rifle has been fitted with a biathlon harness (actually a very old styled one without bungees) but lacks the 'proper' snow-covered sights, has no handstop nor shooting cuff, etc. This tells me that these are likely club rifles used for introduction to the sport and likely the lack of a replacement stock with mag holders and other adjustment features is because it is meant for learners who aren't skiing with the rifles and that they are left at the range in between. (Actually they probably aren't skiing at all and likely doing other drills or snowshoeing).
Lack of snow covers doesn't mean it can't be used, but it certainly a disadvantage for obvious reasons. There are aftermarket sights available with snow covers that this club could have opted for though but if the rifles are just left at the range, not a big deal.
For training purposes was what I understood from the guy who sold it to me!
From Wikipedia regarding biathlon rifles
Some well known smallbore (.22 LR/5.6×15 mmR) biathlon rifles
Name Years
produced Country of origin
Anschütz 1403 Biathlon[43] 1964[citation needed]-current West Germany
Anschütz 1427B[44] 1975-?[citation needed] West Germany
Anschütz 1827B[43] 1982-[33] West Germany
Anschütz 64R Biathlon 1964[citation needed]-current West Germany
Izhmash Bi-4 1970-1978 Soviet Union
Sako P72 1972-? Finland
Finnbiathlon 1976-1984[45] Finland
Izhmash Bi-6 1977-? Soviet Union
Sako P78/M78 1978-1986? Finland
Izhmash Bi-7 1978-1980[30] Soviet Union
Suhl 626/629 1980s-? East Germany
Izhmash 7-2 [ru] 1980-1983 (small scale)
1983-1991 (serially) Soviet Union
CBC Linha Impala Model 422 Biathlon 1983-1993 Brazil
Anschütz 1827 Fortner 1984[25][27]-current West Germany, and later in
Germany
Voere 1007 Biathlon 1984-1986[46] Austria
Izhmash CM-2
(Standard or Cadet) ? Soviet Union
Izhmash 7-2-KO 1990s?-current Russia
Izhmash 7-3 1990s?-current Russia
Anschütz 1403B[47] 1991-?[citation needed] Germany
Lakefield 90B Biathlon 1991-1995 Canada
Izhmash 7-4 1991-current[28] Russia
Krico 360s 1991-?[35] Germany
Krico 360S2 1991-1996[32][48] Germany
Savage 900b Biathlon[49] 1996-2002[50] United States
Marlin 2000/2000L Biathlon 2000-2001 United States
Izhmash 7-3 Cadet 2000s?-current Russia
Savage MKII FVT
(popular for biathlon conversion)[51] 2011-current[citation needed] United States
ORSIS Biathlon 2011-2013
(only prototypes)[52] Russia
Izhmash Bi 7-7 Expected 2019[53] Russia
More specific rifle details from Marlin 2000 website
Marlin firearms, first founded in 1870 by Mr. John Mahlon Marlin, have been in the rifle business for over 140 years. Most collectors are familiar with their series of .22 plinkers, and game-getters, their vast array of lever action brush guns, and their Glenfield series of shotguns. A group of firearms that even most die-hard Marlin experts don't remember is the M2000 series of precision target rifles.
The 2000 series platform
Marlin firearms decided to punch out of their comfort level in the 1990s with a bolt-action single shot heavy target rifle. Designed to compete with entry-level Remington Model 40 and Anschutz target rifles, the new Marlin gun was unlike anything ever made by the company. Designed with a 22-inch heavy barrel with a recessed match-style crown and matched chamber, the rifle was embedded in a distinctive blue ISU standard stock of a fiberglass/Kevlar (Carbelite) combination with a high comb, stippled forearm, and pistol grip. The stock had an adjustable butt plate for length of pull.
A hooded Lyman front sight with seven inserts and companion target peep rear sight came standard. When they were introduced in 1991, they MSRP'd for just under $400, about half as much as the competition. Long discontinued as a production rifle, these run anywhere from $225-$350.
Accuracy of these series is superb. In a February 1996 Gun Tests article, they wrote the following, "The best the Marlin could do at 50 yards was 0.6-inch groups, which we shot with Eley Tenex. Three other ammo lots, CCI Green Tag Competition, Dynamit Nobel's RWS R50, and Lapua Dominator, averaged 0.7-inch groups. The 2000 didn't like Federal's Gold Medal Match rimfire ammo, shooting 0.9-inch groups."
If a 0.9-inch group is the worst it could do, that's not bad.
A summer biathlon kit, with a five-round magazine, was marketed for the rifle and when found complete is rare.
The Marlin 2000A
In 1994, a brief update was issued to the series, labeled the 2000A. This rifle was rare and was only produced for two years. The only difference between the standard 2000 and the A model was in the stock. The blue stock was made with an adjustable comb and ambidextrous pistol grip. This added almost a half-pound to the already 8-pound rifle and was soon discontinued. Due to the rarity of these submodels, they bring a slight bump over the price of a regular M2000.
The Marlin 2000L
This rifle was the Cadillac of the series. Exchanging the bright ultra-blue composite stock of the other models for a grey laminated one; it also came with extra capabilities. Instead of the seven target inserts that the standard model had, the 2000L shipped with 10 and offered a Tasco 6-24 x 42 Tactical Mil-Dot Scope on a KBL #261 One Piece Target Mount as an option. The butt plate was made adjustable not only for length of pull but for height and angle. They ended production in 2003 and were the last of the 2000-series that left the factory. These rifles are all over the price with a recent one on Gunbroker going for over $1000 but most gun values guides still listing for about half that in perfect condition.
Specs: (General)
Finish - Blued
Type - Single Shot, optional 5-shot summer biathlon kit.
Operation - Bolt Action
Bore Size - .22LR
Rifling - 1:16" right hand twist
Barrel - Selected Micro-Groove with Match Chamber and Recessed Muzzle (12 grooves).
Barrel Length - Heavy 22"
Stock: Blue target composite (2000/2000A), Grey Laminate (2000L)
Overall Length - 41"
Weight - 8 lbs, 8.5-lbs (2000A)
Rear Sight - Lyman Adjust. Elevation and Windage Peep Sight (.173"-minute clicks), Optional Williams sight.
Front Sight - Lyman Hooded Front Sight with 7 Aperture Inserts (10 on L Model)
Still, if you come across one of these beauties for the right price, grab it, pick up some quality .22LR ammo, and enjoy.
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