Another Semi-Grail Rifle Found

[Skylerbone]

As luck would have it, one of my oldest friends took a fall on Friday when a board on her back landing gave way (some “handiman” used 3/4” trim as decking) and the call went out to me to help repair it. I keep a standing date at the gun club for Saturday mornings and had planned a road trip to Scheels an hour away after.

Knowing the work needed done I called to let her know that I would be out Saturday afternoon and would forgo my trip. Luck intervened a second time however when she mentioned needing baseball pants for her son, meaning the trip to sporting goods nirvana was a go!

After browsing the selection of kayaks I headed straight for the reloading section to snatch up the last pound of BL-C(2) along with the last 200 rounds of MiniMags. I was bummed over the price jump in .45 bullet prices and the lack of primers so I took a stroll down the used rifle aisle only to spot a very clean Marlin 70P.

I braced for the price tag then nearly jumped for joy. $350. Not the bargain of a lifetime but definitely reasonable with the original case and second magazine (no wrench). I had to have it and now I do. That’s 2 discontinued firearms in 2 days that have eluded capture till now, making me one very happy camper. Here’s hoping all of my fellow High Roaders enjoy the same good fortune this week!


The broken board that changed my fortunes.


Now tidied up with proper 5/4 treated. I’m sure I’ll be back for railing and steps soon.


A few bonus sundries I was thankful to find, and at relatively reasonable prices.


And the rifle I’ve wanted for decades now, a 1989 vintage Papoose. The Simmons .22MAG 4x Scope may be swapped later but for now I’ll leave it (after re-mounting properly).


Even came with a 15-round Marlin marked magazine in addition to the 7-round OEM.

 

[Demi-human]

A much better day than around here. Well done!

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Sweet, looks barely fired.......and with the matching case too!

Ive always preferred the M70 to either the M60 or 10/22. It was my youngest Daughters first gun so I had to get one for myself too.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Good find on a neat Papoose.

Good job on the deck/stoop/landing/porch also.

 

[horsemen61]

Congratulations all around your deck work looks great!
Awesome gun btw!

 

[redneck2]

Gotta love it when you accidentally go to the LGS and score

 

[Skylerbone]

Gotta love it when you accidentally go to the LGS and score

It’s happening more and more lately. I shudder to think how bad I’ll be once child support payments end lol.

 

[Demi-human]

I shudder to think how bad I’ll be once child support payments end lol.

You get payments?! I get I.O.U.s and notices of her bench warrants.

When she pays them off, I’m still keeping the kids!


Here’s to hoping your good luck lasts. I shall enjoy it vicariously!

 

[David Hoback]

As long as you’re happy with the purchase…all that matters. Never was a fan. Remember them jamming quite a bit. Like I said though, our own joy in firearms is what matters. Hope you enjoy it.

 

[Skylerbone]

You get payments?! I get I.O.U.s and notices of her bench warrants.

When she pays them off, I’m still keeping the kids!


Here’s to hoping your good luck lasts. I shall enjoy it vicariously!

I make payments lol. Wish I got them.

 

[Skylerbone]

As long as you’re happy with the purchase…all that matters. Never was a fan. Remember them jamming quite a bit. Like I said though, our own joy in firearms is what matters. Hope you enjoy it.

Most people don’t take time to address minor issues that are present with any rifle in this price-point. While I much prefer the 10/22’s ease of disassembly Marlins aren’t so difficult as some imagine. Not expecting any problems but I’ll report back if any issues arise.

 

[tubeshooter]

Gotta love it when you accidentally go to the LGS and score

It’s happening more and more lately. I shudder to think how bad I’ll be once child support payments end lol.

You have no idea...

 

[Archie]

Good for you! I don't collect that sort of firearm, but I expect you're as tickled as I am when something sought after is found! And at an affordable if not inexpensive price.
And even more satisfying is helping a friend in need.

God speed you in both endeavors.

 

[Skylerbone]

Good for you! I don't collect that sort of firearm, but I expect you're as tickled as I am when something sought after is found! And at an affordable if not inexpensive price.
And even more satisfying is helping a friend in need.

God speed you in both endeavors.

Im not one for bug out kits but I really enjoy rimfires, light and handy rimfires in particular, and if it takes down then I feel it hits the trifecta. The Papoose joins a 10/22 TD and a Norinco meaning my rule of 3s gets followed, as I have 3 children who will inherit my jumble of junk some day.

To me they are practical and inexpensive and some like the Marlin add a fun bit of challenge to shoot small. That also means I have more flexibility in gifting other .22s to youngsters (and sometimes adults) who might otherwise never take the opportunity to try it out. It’s always a great day when you can take someone for a first range day and let them know the rifle they just shot is now theirs to care for. But the Papoose…from my cold, dead hands lol.

 

[Hikingman]

Nice Papoose case, Marlin, and other goodies!

 

[BigBlue 94]

Congrats! I have a 70PSS. The wood stock is one thing i wish mine had. Looks classy.

The wrench is around here somewhere... I never use it. I know i saw the floating case at my grandpa's but its been 17 years and i have no clue of its whereabouts.

The plastic trigger guard and mag well piece is very fragile! Mine broke and i ponied up for a Diversified Innovative Products loaded trigger guard. Their trigger is excellent and the guard is aluminum instead of plastic.

You should pull the receiver out of the stock and check the white plastic wedge shaped buffer. They deteriorate by themselves in just a matter of a few years. But there are new, better ones available.

I recently customized mine. Heavily. A one-off 6061 collapsing chassis. Total length when packed is now 16"; the length of the barrel.

 

[Skylerbone]

Congrats! I have a 70PSS. The wood stock is one thing i wish mine had. Looks classy.

The wrench is around here somewhere... I never use it. I know i saw the floating case at my grandpa's but its been 17 years and i have no clue of its whereabouts.

The plastic trigger guard and mag well piece is very fragile! Mine broke and i ponied up for a Diversified Innovative Products loaded trigger guard. Their trigger is excellent and the guard is aluminum instead of plastic.

You should pull the receiver out of the stock and check the white plastic wedge shaped buffer. They deteriorate by themselves in just a matter of a few years. But there are new, better ones available.

I recently customized mine. Heavily. A one-off 6061 collapsing chassis. Total length when packed is now 16"; the length of the barrel.

I double checked the guts and even the buffer looked good, very little dirt and no lubrication anywhere. The trigger definitely needs some help and I’m a fan of DIP. Also read (and will re-read) your thread cover to cover, especially if lightening strikes again and I find an SS model down the road.

 

[David Hoback]

Got it.

 

[Demi-human]

You meant YOU are the one paying, right?

I make payments lol. Wish I got them.

I confused the issue for you, David, sorry.

He will be “bad” when he no longer pays and get disposable income for rimfires.
I will be “bad” if she ever pays what she supposed to, for I will blow it all at Ye Olde Gunne Shop.

Bad, of course, being “Good” because we bought out the place!

 

[Speedo66]

I've got the stainless/plastic version, wish I had the wood like yours. Not a big fan of synthetic.

Mine has operated flawlessly, and is very accurate at indoor range distances, haven't had the chance to shoot it outdoors. I can trace the wrench and send it to you if you're interested in cutting one out of stock.

The 25 round Pro-Mag designed for the Marlin 795 works perfectly in my Papoose.

Good luck with your new gun, it's a beauty and I think you're going to enjoy it!

 

[Pew-Pew]

That's awesome!

 

[Skylerbone]

Finally got out to shoot this on Saturday, discovered I’m going to need a spanner wrench to snug it up. Also re-discovered that Simmons 22Mag scopes come with more backlash than an angry wife.

I kept it to 15 yards as chasing zero was a waste of ammo at 25 but it shot nicely, having polished internals and swapped out a few springs for a sub-4lb pull.


20mph winds and a cheap scope kept me at the 15 yard line which neutralized both.


Target on far right was for scope adjustments, found it in the trash and colored a bullseye.


Shares magazines with my Marlin 25N thankfully but unlike its bolt action brethren it did not like the newer factory magazines.


First 4 groups after dialing in the scope and seasoning the barrel.


Closer inspection.


Added a 5th and 6th group since targets 2 & 3 (top right and bottom left) had clean centers.



Function was 100% with the correct magazines, about 50% with post-‘96 magazine. I inadvertently left the 15-round mag at home but will test it next trip.

 

[ms6852]

It has been my experience that high winds effect 22 magnum rounds more than the 22 lr. No scientific evidence on my part but I think it is the velocity of the rounds that does it, something akin to sticking your arm out of the car window at 30 mph and 50 mph. In my mind that is the simplest explanation.

 

[PzGren]

I had bought a Marlin 70P with a slightly scratched up stock a few years ago when I was on business in Kentucky. It was $40 plus tax and was a little too long for my sons still. It now belongs to my oldest son. My eye sight was better then and I have fond memories of shooting at muzzle loader sabots.

 

[stillquietvoice]

Congratulations on your new rimfire looks fairly accurate too. Lightning struck here as I found a box of hornandy custom 160 rn for my 6.5x55 mauser build, now I can take it out and at least zero the gun before refinishing the stock and fitting a working safety.