Built a budget Appleseed rifle this weekend

[Donut]

Earlier this year I bought a Marlin 795 on sale, and tossed a cheap BSA 3-9 on it. That combo didn't really do it for me, so I decided to build a little "trainer" rifle so I can inexpensively try my hand at those Appleseed shoots.

One of my main complaints with the stock was the molded checkering. It felt like ***. Since that needed to be filled in, I figured what better way to learn how to texture a stock than by trying it while I was at it:

The stock checkering:


Taping the stock off:




The first round I used DevCon's H2Hold (because I had some in a drawer) - Epic fail. It peeled right off like I had sprayed the stock with mold release. So I ran to Home Depot and grabbed some LocTite Metal Epoxy. Using the DIY from R+D Precision, the LocTite stuff did the trick.





Since the stock and epoxy were two different shades, some paint was in order. I had some matte black DuraCoat in a drawer, but that's a little plain. It was time for some Krylon.

[Donut]

My awesome paint hanging system - the owl provided overwatch for the painting portion of the operation...




Once I put something like five or six coats of OD Krylon on the stock 15-30 minutes apart, it needed some clear. I didn't want it to be glossy, so I grabbed some matte clear from a buddy of mine (read: I don't know where to buy it) and laid three coats:

[Donut]

So, while that was all drying, I went inside to mount up the set of Tech Sights I ordered. They provide a sight picture almost-identical to that of an AR, and add 5-5/8 inches to the original Marlin's sight radius. One screw for the front sight and then a standard dovetail mount in the rear was all the mounting required - It took maybe 5 minutes.





Since I still had time before everything was dry, I ran to Wally World and grabbed an inexpensive adjustable 1-1/4-inch sling that had swivels for $16 (Super Sling 2+ in black: http://www.outdoorconnectiononline.c...ucts.asp?cat=1 )This morning I put everything back together and I think I'm in love. Hopefully it'll shoot halfway decent.

[Rukus]

Looks good, its really amazing how simple the stock texturing is to do. I did it to a Marlin 60 and I think it turned out great.

ETA: Be sure to get a range report with the new sights on it. I've been thinking about investing in them as well

[Francis Marion]

Nice job on that Liberty Training Rifle.

$8 Garand web slings aid accuracy when used as loop slings; consider picking one of those up when able.

But the Wally sling still works as a hasty sling, and is fine for carrying.

Good moxy on your part to build yourself an LTR: that is, a handy, decently sighted, 1 1/4 inch military sling-sized, inexpensive to shoot rifle. It will pay dividends to your skill and to the people you teach to shoot. Thread pattern of the front post is the same as an M16. Once you get used to Tech sights, you wonder how you ever tolerated factory notch sights.

[vta]

nice job. i have been thinking about doing the same for awhile. thanks for the pics.

[Donut]

Stopped by the indoor range on my way home from work tonight.

All of these were shot standing w/sling (except for the last two on the Appleseed target) at 15yds with bulk Remington ammo. The first two are one-inch squares, the multi-dot target is 1/2" center in a 3" dot:

[RobT2K]

Great shooting! It looks like you're ready to try out the Appleseed, make sure you practice your prone position for a little while each night. It really helps to get your muscles stretched out and used to the prone position beforehand.

Which Appleseed are you gonna go to? There is one pretty close to you in Corona, CA on 9/19-20 More info here

And one in San Diego county (Dulzura,CA) on 10/31-11/1.More info here

[Jon Wang]

Kool

Are you taking that Marlin to the next Appleseed shoot at Raauhauge's?

I'm taking my 13 year old son to the Sunday shoot. We did Saturday last time and it was fantastic. For anyone who's never gone, its a must.

Way to build a LTR on the cheap.

[GJC]

I just bought a 795 for the Dulzura,CA Shoot. $149 + tax from Discount Gun Mart in Santee. Plus $20 mail in rebate So How do You like those sights? Can't decide between a scope or Iron sights.

[Donut]

The next Corona one is out for me, since that's a race weekend at Fontana, but the San Diego one might work.

I absolutely love the sights. I wish I had bought them sooner.

[wilbur46]

795

Nice job DONUT!
Got any idea where the best price is right now?
(I'm filling up some in-betweens)
Think the Tech sight might work with the stock 795ss version front sight? It is different.
I use the Tech on my s%^, but have never been that thrilled.
I was actually contemplating a rail adapter and an actual A2 rear.

[Donut]

I heard that Dicks is supposed to be having a sale on them for something like $100, but I don't know if that's in CA.

I seem to recall reading that the 795ss sight mounts the same, just has some cover over the screw or something. Not 100% on that though.

[budprop]

Great write up! I just picked up a 795 on Gun Broker for $60 and plan on doing much of what you have done. I haven't thought about the texturing...might have to give it a try. I have tickets to delzura shoot oct 31, hope to see you there. Lets give the 10/22 junkies a run for their wasted money.

[GJC]

Great write up! I just picked up a 795 on Gun Broker for $60 and plan on doing much of what you have done. I haven't thought about the texturing...might have to give it a try. I have tickets to delzura shoot oct 31, hope to see you there. Lets give the 10/22 junkies a run for their wasted money.

I plan on being at the Dulzura Appleseed. Gonna take a couple new shooter's from my neighborhood with Me. Just got to get another marlin 795 so they can both shoot.