Marlin
Marlin 917
Marlin 917 .17HMR is OK with some effort – OK, I bought this from a friend for $500 in 2012 which included a really nice Nikon scope worth about $400, so I effectively have a $100 rifle! At… Read more
the beginning it shot like a dog, all over the place and if it wasn't for our .22 CZ 452 being so accurate at the same 50M would have thought I was rubbish. Eventually, in shear frustration I stripped the mount and scope and found some dope had installed them incorrectly and tightened the bolts/screws down like a gorilla with uneven pressure on the scope rings. Bascially the scope was moving all the time. So, after it was installed properly and zeroed in, it shot decent groups but the odd one still flew...? I noticed it was moving on the shoulder a tad as it did not have a pad just the hard butt, so bought a recoil pad-hey presto @ 50M it is now shooting a consistent 20mm group. And it stays in adjustment. I really like this rifle now and it is as accurate as our yummy CZ. Looking forward to zeroing it in at 100M and getting out there to see what it can do. stock checkering, nice weight and balance, light, accurate-now stupid magazines-really hard to load quickly, bolt action not slick/smooth/intuitive
Marlin 981T
This rifle is superior making it a true 5 star EXPERIENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!! – The Marlin Model 981T is a Bolt action .22 caliber rifle economically priced with classic looks and many features. It has a 22" Micro-Groove barrel… Read more
with 4 grooved, 1-9inch twist. The rifle features a black synthetic style stock with molded checkering and swivel studs. The rifle`s full-length tubular magazine is capable of holding different size .22 caliber cartridges equaling up to 17 LR cartridges.
In my opinion this rifle is superior for accuracy, Grouping shots ranged from around 5/8” to 1’on a target range of 50 yards, 17 shops per group. No jamming or misfires were experienced as the gun heated during repeated shooting. I have shot over 500 rounds in one day with no problems. The trigger mechanism is a bit heavy, but very comfortable.
All in all if you're looking to practice working with a bolt action or acquiring a beginner rifle, target practicing will be profound if you choose to purchase this rifle for that purpose. Marlin has surpassed all my expectations and put together a very economical (being under $200), accurate and reliable bolt action rifle,the favorite I have shot! I am looking forward to many days relaxing and refining my skills by taking it back to the range!! JOIN ME. Marlin has put together a very economical, very accurate and reliable bolt action rifle. A heavy trigger mechanism that could be lighter.