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Range report: M38 & Marlin 336-C
I decided to take my M38 and my new Marlin 336-C to the range for some sight adjustments. The M38 was shooting too low and needed the front post filed down a bit. This would be the first outing for the Marlin lever gun. I just got it a little while ago and haven’t had a chance to test her out.
Obligatory firearm pics
Ammo Used:
M38: Wolf 7.62x54R 200 Gr. Bimetal SP. 40 rounds
336-C: Remington Core-Lokt 30-30 170 Gr. SP. 20 rounds
Targets Used:
BP-1 16” from edge to edge. Each ring is 2”
I started out with the M38. I tried a couple of different sight holds until I was on paper and could see what needed to be done. It was so low that I literally had to aim at the top of the target just to get the lowest shots on the paper. The shots on the upper part of the target were with me holding so high I was afraid I was going to hit the deflector on the ceiling. Here is a pic of that.
I decided to slide the rear sight up until I was on the paper. This gave me a rough idea of how much I needed to file off the front post. Then I just started to file a little between each shot until I could lower the rear sight back into the first position. You can see the high hits on the target. This is when I lowered the rear sight. I continued to file until I hit edge of the 10 ring using a 6 o’clock hold. For those who don’t know, that’s the bottom of the 10 ring just kissing the top of the front post. Of course, at that range it is just the orange blur in the center of the target floating above the post. I’m fairly happy with the results, considering that it is a back bored muzzle carbine shooting wolf with iron sights. Minute of pie plate isn’t bad. I need more practice with this one to be sure.
Next, I tried out the 30-30. The first seven shots were too low to register on the paper using a 6 o’clock hold, so I raised the rear buckhorn up a notch or three. The next thirteen shots were the results pictured. I admit getting a little happy and rushing through a few shots just to play with the lever. Half of them were shot from the bench and the rest were shot off hand. I don't care for the iron sights on the Marlin. Maybe they will grow on me but, right now the folding buckhorn rear doesn't do it for me, YMMV. With any luck, this baby will be getting glass before the deer season opens.
My overall impression of both rifles was favorable. The M38 is solid as a rock. While not the most accurate rifle I’ve ever fired, it is pretty damn good for a $90.00 Big5 milsurp. Minute of pie plate will hit a man size target and this is a combat rifle. With practice, it will only get better.
For a brush gun with a 20" barrel, the Marlin is very accurate. The ergonomics are excellent and the rifle is light weight. The push of the Marlin felt like a slight shove after the Mosin-Nagant. Good glass will only improve the situation.
Any questions?
Obligatory firearm pics
Ammo Used:
M38: Wolf 7.62x54R 200 Gr. Bimetal SP. 40 rounds
336-C: Remington Core-Lokt 30-30 170 Gr. SP. 20 rounds
Targets Used:
BP-1 16” from edge to edge. Each ring is 2”
I started out with the M38. I tried a couple of different sight holds until I was on paper and could see what needed to be done. It was so low that I literally had to aim at the top of the target just to get the lowest shots on the paper. The shots on the upper part of the target were with me holding so high I was afraid I was going to hit the deflector on the ceiling. Here is a pic of that.
I decided to slide the rear sight up until I was on the paper. This gave me a rough idea of how much I needed to file off the front post. Then I just started to file a little between each shot until I could lower the rear sight back into the first position. You can see the high hits on the target. This is when I lowered the rear sight. I continued to file until I hit edge of the 10 ring using a 6 o’clock hold. For those who don’t know, that’s the bottom of the 10 ring just kissing the top of the front post. Of course, at that range it is just the orange blur in the center of the target floating above the post. I’m fairly happy with the results, considering that it is a back bored muzzle carbine shooting wolf with iron sights. Minute of pie plate isn’t bad. I need more practice with this one to be sure.
Next, I tried out the 30-30. The first seven shots were too low to register on the paper using a 6 o’clock hold, so I raised the rear buckhorn up a notch or three. The next thirteen shots were the results pictured. I admit getting a little happy and rushing through a few shots just to play with the lever. Half of them were shot from the bench and the rest were shot off hand. I don't care for the iron sights on the Marlin. Maybe they will grow on me but, right now the folding buckhorn rear doesn't do it for me, YMMV. With any luck, this baby will be getting glass before the deer season opens.
My overall impression of both rifles was favorable. The M38 is solid as a rock. While not the most accurate rifle I’ve ever fired, it is pretty damn good for a $90.00 Big5 milsurp. Minute of pie plate will hit a man size target and this is a combat rifle. With practice, it will only get better.
For a brush gun with a 20" barrel, the Marlin is very accurate. The ergonomics are excellent and the rifle is light weight. The push of the Marlin felt like a slight shove after the Mosin-Nagant. Good glass will only improve the situation.
Any questions?
