Hi Chris, I own both a 795 and a 981t. The 980 is a magazine fed bolt. The 981t is the tube fed bolt. So maybe you're thinking about the 981t bolt?
Both the 981t and 795 are bargain 22s. I tend to shoot free hand with a sling and both are more accurate than I am. I can't say for bench rest.
The 981t handles long rifle, longs and shorts and all feed fine. The 981t holds 17 LR rounds in its tube and it is nice not having magazines to load and keep up after. 17 rounds provides a comfortable number of rounds especially at the more measured pace of the bolt action. The bolt is easier to clean and bore sight. If you go after the tube rifle, I recommend you check out a product called "Spee-D-loader". It is a cannister with about 7 or 8 tubes that you can use to quick load your rifle's tube. Nice for the range. I ordered mine from the company. I believe Cabelas carrys it as well.
The 795 is a great light weight carbine. I have the 10 round magazines and it too has been trouble free. The 795 is basically the same rifle as a 60. The receiver is pretty much the same and it even still has the drillled out hole for the 60's tube. So everything you liked about the 60 like last round bolt hold open... you'll find in the 795 except magazine versus tube.
I took the 795 to an Appleseed this year and made rifleman first AQT. So the little Marlin is certainly up to the task. Tech Sights has aperture sights available for the 795, if you have interest. I've tried them and they are amazingly accurate. However, I have mine scoped since I my eyes aren't what they used to be.
I like the bolt for teaching new shooters as they concentrate a bit more on shot placement and aren't as prone to just empty magazines.
Which to buy? Both are well worth the money and which one is just up to your prefererence for form and function. They're cheap... get one of each. <smile>
ling to me. Thanks in advance.