SKS-FILES FORUM

Rimfire Weapons => Rimfire Weapons => Commercial Rimfire => Topic started by: Larry D. on July 23, 2019, 12:01:03 AM

Title: Marlin Model 81DL
Post by: Larry D. on July 23, 2019, 12:01:03 AM

So....9 days ago, I went to a yard sale and bought an SKS.
2 days ago, I went back for another SKS.
While there, we got to talking. I admit nothing, but there may have been some really good whiskey involved.....
Anywho...... a Marlin 81DL snuck into the car. The guy I drove up with wound up with a nifty 12GA too.

This 81DL is a long, tube fed, bolt action version of the venerable Glenfield. Made from 1941 to about 1964 or thereabouts.

That's about all I really know so far. Still trying to dig up info and get an idea of how old mine is.
I need a scope mount, scope, and the target peep sight that mounts to the rear portion of the receiver. If any of you are Marlin junkies with a parts stash, I could sure use some help.

Title: Re: Marlin Model 81DL
Post by: Greasemonkey on July 23, 2019, 12:50:07 AM

Marlin 81dl got microgroove rifling in 1953, it was Ballard rifling prior, and no sporting weapons were made by Marlin between 1942-44.

And don't damage the bolt... that's like trying to find hens teeth if something happens to it.

Title: Re: Marlin Model 81DL
Post by: Larry D. on July 23, 2019, 12:56:27 AM

This one has Ballard. Not that I know what that means exactly. But I do know Microgroove, and this doesn't have it.
The bolt seems to be in good shape, but thanks for the heads up.

Title: Re: Marlin Model 81DL
Post by: Greasemonkey on July 23, 2019, 04:26:11 AM

Does it have a plastic trigger guard?

Ballard rifling is just regular rifling.. look down the SKS barrel, a Garand, 1911, any Mauser.. That would be it, just standard cut rifling.  From what I remember, Marlin carried the term Ballard, because that's how barrels were riflied on Marlins Ballard target rifles.

Title: Re: Marlin Model 81DL
Post by: Loose}{Cannon on July 23, 2019, 11:25:09 AM

Pics!!

Title: Re: Marlin Model 81DL
Post by: Larry D. on July 24, 2019, 09:17:23 PM

It does have a plastic trigger guard.

And as far as pictures go, I can just barely remember how to turn the laptop on everyday. I'll have to  figure out how to do it, then do it several times to get it to stick.

Title: Re: Marlin Model 81DL
Post by: Greasemonkey on July 24, 2019, 09:21:40 PM

Quote from: Larry D. on July 24, 2019, 09:17:23 PM

It does have a plastic trigger guard.

'52-'53.... That's what I come up with..

I have an early Marlin 80, the box magazine fed version.  The peep sight will be hard to find, GunBroker or fleabay.. or you may be able to get a Lyman or Williams type sight that would fit.

Title: Re: Marlin Model 81DL
Post by: Larry D. on July 24, 2019, 11:06:12 PM

I was looking at this one to get by:

https://williamsgunsight.com/product/williams-5d-81/

Of course, I want an original eventually.
Then a vintage scope and mount.