Marlin 81 accuracy potential

[geologist]

I have an old Marlin model 81 .22rf with the tube magazine and original receiver sights.

It was my Dad's old rabbit and grouse rifle and it must have been made in the 50's. This old rifle means a lot to me.

I just had it re-built by my gunsmith. He repaired a bunch of broken metal guides so that it feeds shorts, longs and long rifles reliably again.

I am considering drilling and tapping it for a scope.

I can shoot 1/2" groups with it at 25 yards off a rest with the peep sights.

It's at 75 yards where I'm having problems. I'm shooting a Birchwood Casey swinger target and can barely see the targets at 75 yards wheras my scoped 10/22 can hit it just about every shot.

I'm afraid that with the peep sights, I can't shoot it as well as my scoped 10/22

My question is will this old long barreled Marlin become a tack driver with a decent 3x9 variable on it?

I really don't want it to sit in the safe as much as it has recently.

 

[mrpike]

81 marlin

Get it tapped and put a scope on it. you will be very pleased on how it shoots. I grew up with an 81 that my Dad had and many a gopher bit the dust at 100 yds with it. It was built in the 40's

I just recently picked up another 81 that was groved for a scope and put a 3-9 on it. At 25 yds it puts them all in the same hole. have not had time to try longer distances but have no doubts that it will preform well. Just playing the same day was hitting 12 ga shotgun shells at 50 yds with no problems.
They are noted for being a very accurate rifle and the fact that Marlin has been building them with very little changes since the 40's says alot.

Good luck and have fun.