Marlin model 81DL

**Zeke2A** · March 10th, 2020, 01:44 PM

I just picked up one in excellent condition at a gun show . It has the original peep sight I only had to order an aperture for it . Haven’t had a chance to get it out to the range yet . Anyone have any experience with this particular 22? Looks like it’s a shooter but you never know .

I’ll get some pics posted here soon.

**Zeke2A** · March 10th, 2020, 04:42 PM

Some pics and and old ad ...CF9B3382-5AFA-425A-91FE-8B7F3463C982.jpg

**Zeke2A** · March 10th, 2020, 04:42 PM

4F69913F-D203-451C-8A44-A765DC5FF731.jpg

**Zeke2A** · March 10th, 2020, 04:43 PM

98563D7A-C618-4E89-9464-53EAB97A6606.jpg

**Bang** · March 20th, 2020, 11:10 AM

I had been doing well at a YMCA summer camp earning NRA junior marksmanship badges on the 50 foot course. When I was 12 (1949) my folks gave me an 80-DL for Christmas. The following summer I was putting 5 into one hole with it. So tight that the instructor/counsellor saw only 4 and would not credit me with the fifth once. I was furious. After that I made a concerted effort to slightly spread the group. Not bragging, just verifying the accuracy of the gun. Your 81 as you know has a tubular mag and the 80 has a clip thing (sarc)(LOL).

In my later teen years I drilled and tapped the receiver for a telescope mount, and safely put the peep sight somewhere among my effects while still a kid at home. Last year I got wondering about it. It seems I no longer have it.

Long about 1970s I discovered that it had lost its sharp accuracy. I scrubbed hell out of the bore to no effect. Never at the time thought about the brand of ammo that may have been the problem.

A few years ago I read of a theory that the .22LR was ultimate at a 16" barrel length. I cut it down to 16 and recrowned it and tried a lot of brands of ammo but she just ain't able to yield what she once could.

Finding what a .22LR rifle "likes" can be quite a task. If your new acquisition proves accurate, make note of the ammo you are shooting. If not, try others. Good luck with your find.

ETA: A few months ago I found an 80-DL for sale for $85. I wanted to buy it but the bore was so filthy I couldn't take a chance on it.

**Zeke2A** · March 22nd, 2020, 01:30 PM

Thanks for the info and the history ....My first rifle experience was at camp Chesterfield in Massachusetts. Boy Scout rifle merit badge . Single shot .22 with peep sights ...cant remember the make if the rifle. I found out early in my life at 13yrs old that I was much better with a rifle than a bow and arrow. We used to have “egg shoots” where a raw egg was hung on a string and if you missed you had to drink a raw egg “Rocky style” in front of the camp at morning mess. Miss those days ...... I had to order new apertures both .50 and .80 for the 81dl they arrive on monday ...weather permitting I’ll take it out next weekend and see how it shoots , have 3 different .22 ammo that I will run to see what it likes.