Thoughts on the Marlin 981t
- Thread starter GarandTd
- Start date
I had been thinking about adding a tube fed model 60 to my line-up, but I already have a semi-auto 22 rifle. The only thing keeping me from looking at a 22 bolt was the price, but this eliminates the cost issue.
According to the seller, it's only had about 50 rounds through it. He still has the sales receipt. I'm gonna take a look at it today, but it sounds close to LNIB.
According to the seller, it's only had about 50 rounds through it. He still has the sales receipt. I'm gonna take a look at it today, but it sounds close to LNIB.
Well, I'm happy. Managed to get to the range briefly to test it out. I finished off a box of blazer 22lr(around 14 rounds) and also ran 5 rounds of CCI CB 22 shorts. I didn't have alot of time so I just shot at the 25 yard range. It's plenty accurate and was shooting to POA for both typs of ammo. I'll probably get a scope for it. It is a New Haven, CT rifle. Obligatory picture below.
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FrankenMauser
New member
Good buy.
They range from decent rifles, to excellent, even if they look like some of the parts were hacked out of recycled sewer pipe.
If your receiver is new enough to be tapped for scope mounts, I suggest getting a proper scope base for the rifle. I hate the rimfire dovetail mounts altogether, but have seen many of the Marlin X8X series with deformed dovetails, because the rings were overtightened or had to be tightened that far to get the rings to stop moving.
I need to get my own 882 drilled and tapped. I'm tired of the crappy dovetail mount; but mine wasn't drilled and tapped from the factory.
They range from decent rifles, to excellent, even if they look like some of the parts were hacked out of recycled sewer pipe.
If your receiver is new enough to be tapped for scope mounts, I suggest getting a proper scope base for the rifle. I hate the rimfire dovetail mounts altogether, but have seen many of the Marlin X8X series with deformed dovetails, because the rings were overtightened or had to be tightened that far to get the rings to stop moving.
I need to get my own 882 drilled and tapped. I'm tired of the crappy dovetail mount; but mine wasn't drilled and tapped from the factory.
Took it to the range with my sandwich for lunch today. Spot on at 50 yards. Shot 4 groups of 4 and picked off 2 clay pigeons(stationary) with the 17+1 rounds it holds. Loaded 6 more rounds and put 5 of them on the big side(4") of a spinner target. Last round was a miss trying for the small top circle of the spinner. All iron sites. I'm sure with a scope I could be leaving a single ragged hole.
Next time I'll take it to the 100 yard range.
Next time I'll take it to the 100 yard range.
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Update: I added a cheap(but affective) $20 scope and some Leupold Rifleman scope rings. FrankenMauser, I know you advised against this style of mount, but I like the shape and they have worked well. Attached is a pic of the scope/rings and the winner of a 50 yard ammo comparison I did the other day.
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Blindstitch
New member
I like see through rings too but if you notice movement in those rings I think Marlin drilled and tapped the receiver for weaver mounts. I have those exact rings and haven't found a rifle to install them on.
Blindstitch
New member
Thought so. I have the 983s in 22 mag. The opensights sucked. In order to use them it was a real face smasher vs my Glenfield 25.
The open sights are ok. I have a Remington Apache 77 that is part of the nylon 66 family. I won't even try to mount a scope on it. The receiver is nylon with a sheet metal like cover over it. I don't have confidence in that dovetail or the sheet metal receiver cover not moving, bending, or warping. It's plenty accurate though.
stagpanther
New member
I bought the marlin XT-17R new at Wally World for just over $100. It shoots bitty 17hmr long and fast and makes small groups. I'd get that sooner than a 22
I agree with this sentiment. Basically any repeater .22 in good condition is worth $100 to me. I have a pile of Glenfield 25's to prove it!
The 981T was my first firearm. I went half on it with my parents for my 13th birthday. It has been a good rifle, not great. The scope base holes are drilled off center so it makes for an interesting time to sight in. It's really only on at one distance. But it is a precise little rifle. I ended up buying some removable mag-fed .22's as they are nicer for a truck gun as they don't take some many moving parts to unload and stick back in the case when done.