Replacing the Marlin stock bullseye.

[Scott Tschirhart]

What kind of glue did the factory use to install these?

[CowboyTutt]

Scott, I have no idea but my high school woodshop teacher from my last job only two years ago told me modern wood glues are stronger than the wood fibers themselves when fully cured. You may need to drill it out to replace it. Glad your back to your ol' self after the COVID thing. -Tutt

[marlinman93]

Don't know what they used, but I've replaced a dozen for myself and others, and just used Elmers wood glue. The replacement bullseyes are long enough to buy one and be able to do two stocks. I cut them in half and seat them just above the stock. I mask the area off first, and then glue in the new one. Then file it down to the tape and sand smooth.

[CowboyTutt]

MM, your experience and expertise never ceases to impress me, truly! I don't have a Marlin yet, I'm more of a Winchester Man myself, but how do you get the old bullseye's out to replace them in the first place??
-Tutt

[44shooter]

What happens to them that they need to be replaced?

[Scott Tschirhart]

What happens to them that they need to be replaced?

I have an old Mountie and the bullseye is missing. So I bought a new old stock one online. Just thinking of how to replace it.

[earlmck]

I think a new Marlin owner is apt to look at that "Bullseye" and think that is where the sling swivel should go and -- out comes the Bullseye. Then that isn't quite the right spot but -- oh well.

I'm just guessin' how they go missing. But it's not uncommon for a used Marlin to be missing the Bullseye. Somewhere around my workbench I have a packet of them.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I think it’s just fun to get them back to the way they are supposed to be

[CowboyTutt]

Well Scott, regardless of it being a Marlin or Winchester, I would agree with that sentiment. As to how to do it, I can offer absolutely nothing. Only take the time to do it right, that much, I would suggest if possible!!!! -Tutt

[Scott Tschirhart]

I’m thinking that a good carpenter wood glue should work fine. I’ll go slow.

[gcs]

They usually go missing because folks put a sling swivel stud there, Back before computers and internet us bubbas didn't know better, there was a hole in the stock with that silly plastic thingee so we figured, "thanks Marlin" for conveniently marking where the stud goes, it's not, but hey, close enough! I've done it myself and not the least ashamed, lol

The guys on Marlin owners absolutely throw a hissy fit when the "bullseye" is missing and call the miscreants who disfigured this fine rifle all kinds of names....

Like you ruined a 79 dollar rifle, (at the time). These were ,and still are working rifles, if you want to make believe they're collectors items so be it. Most people just use them and could care less, lol

[marlinman93]

MM, your experience and expertise never ceases to impress me, truly! I don't have a Marlin yet, I'm more of a Winchester Man myself, but how do you get the old bullseye's out to replace them in the first place??
-Tutt

I drill a small hole in the bullseye, and run a wood screw into it. Then put my Vise-Grip pliers on the screw head and keep wiggling as I pull. They generally come out pretty easy. I did have one that was trouble, and I kept opening the bullseye up with larger bits, and as it got close to the OD it suddenly stuck to the bit and came out on it.

[marlinman93]

What happens to them that they need to be replaced?

Most I've replaced because some idiot thought that was a great spot to drill for a sling swivel mount.

[horsesoldier03]

I like Titebond wood glue. It is cheaper than the gorilla glue that you find and most all of it dries completely clear. It has different strength levels too.

[1894cfan]

Believe it or not, over time they do eventually loosen up and work their way out. I've got a 1977 39a that that happened to. Fortunately, I found it and glued it back in, with wood glue if I remember right, likely with Elmers. HTH

[Scott Tschirhart]

Believe it or not, over time they do eventually loosen up and work their way out. I've got a 1977 39a that that happened to. Fortunately, I found it and glued it back in, with wood glue if I remember right, likely with Elmers. HTH

I think that’s probably what happened with this Mountie because it has sling swivels in the correct locations.

[1894cfan]

Just had a thought, drill shallow dimples in the sides of the bullseye before gluing in and it should help keep the bullseye from working its way out again. HTH

[Scott Tschirhart]

Here’s what it looks like.

[1894cfan]

Yup, that's the way my '77 39a is set up. Just match the curve of the bullseye with the curve of the stock, less frustration that way. Don't bother asking me how I know.

[Scott Tschirhart]

The stocks are dry and could use some Tru-oil

[marlinman93]

The reason your sling swivels are located correctly is because they're factory sling swivels! Don't see them that often, and a nice addition to your Marlin.

[Scott Tschirhart]

The reason your sling swivels are located correctly is because they're factory sling swivels! Don't see them that often, and a nice addition to your Marlin.

I wondered about whether these were factory. Thanks.

I put 100 rounds through it this weekend. Can’t complain about how it shoots.