Marlin Model 80

This one is a bolt-action .22, fun for target and varmint shooting. I got it as a gift from my dad a few years ago and it was my first .22LR rifle. It's pretty simple and simply accurate. I've taken quite a few birds with this old gun.

I've done a couple things to it to gussy it up. When I first got it, it was stained dark brown and had quite a few marks and stains on it. I took the stock off, sanded it down, and polished it up, removing all the stains and marks that I could. There were a couple dings and scratches that I didn't feel like sanding or ironing out, so I just left them for character. The buttplate was broken, so I took it off and sealed the butt with Tru Oil. I gave the whole stock 4 coats of Tru Oil as well, without staining. I love the color of the natural wood that came out in the final finish. After drying, I put it back together and put a scope on it. Can't wait to take it out soon and sight it in!

Here are a few more pictures of the details of the rifle;

Here's the stock showing the detail of the wood grain. Notice the lack of buttplate. I might try to get a replacement, I might not...

Here's the action with the scope mounted...

Here's a shooter's eye view...

And here's the 8 shot clip...

Overall, it's a great little gun. Not quite as much fun as a semi-auto, of course, but a great starter rifle for a young man or woman. Solid as a rock, too.

Price: Free, but you can buy them for around $100

Caliber: 22LR, 22L, 22S

Capacity: 8+1

Pros: Dependable, accurate, inexpensive to buy and shoot

Cons: None really. It is what it is.