I sure like how this rifle hefts. Looking down the barrel the sights align naturally and the front bead just hangs onto whatever it's pointed at.
The overwhelming urge to shoot it had me at the range on the first day. Within half a magazine's worth (19 LR capacity) I was sighted in and having fun.
Not bad performance from the cheap Federal 36gr HP Bulk ammo
I also tested Winchester, Aguila and CCI ammo through it and ran into some failure to fire issues, especially with the Aguila ammo. I pulled the bolt and the firing pin retention pin was firmly driven down onto the pin. I reset it flush with the top of the bolt so the firing pin could now move freely (like the old unretained varieties) and it resolved the issues with all but the Aguila ammo which still needed an extra firing pin strike every fifth cartridge.
Over the chronograph this rifle seemed to shoot a little slower than my Century Limiteds, 39A, 39 TDS and Mounties which surprised me as my 24" barreled 39A gets the most velocity out of everything except subsonic ammo. In subsequent tests with a few other ammo varieties the CB did spit the Federal Lightning - 40gr RN - faster than the other guns which I found interesting.
Accuracy was promising with all but the CCI CB Longs. The rifle does not appear to be fussy about ammo. The Aguila SE Subsonic and the Federal Lightning (target shown with rifle above) showed the most promise. I was even able to shoot some offhand groups that I would have been satisfied with off the bench.
The Marlin octagonal barrels have been consistently excellent for me, front and rear sights centered on the barrel and it just becomes a matter of elevation. The Marbles rear sight has an inner reversible sight blank that is also elevation adjustable. I try to set it so on the lowest notch it shoots point of aim at 25 yards. That usually gives me more than enough notches to reach out to 200 yards with a right on hold. I prefer a smaller front bead but this one seems to be working pretty well so far. We'll see how it fairs in the silhouette matches and long range dinger shootin'.
Early preliminary testing indicates that on the second notch I should have a 50 yard zero and the third notch up should be right on at 100 yards with two notches to spare. Using the 100 yard zero there is about a 36" drop out to 200 so it will be interesting to see if the top two notches will get me all the way there.
I haven't had a chance to take it out in the field yet, except for a quick cruise around the property. It balances comfortably at the forestock and carries lightly despite being a rifle sized rimfire. It points naturally and I am looking forward to shooting Grouse with it.
Aesthetically I'm not a big fan of checkering on a levergun but after oogling and handling the rifle I'm warming up to it though the 39 Century Ltd might have the edge in a beauty contest.
Overall I'm VERY pleased!
