[12bhunting]

Ok this rifle shoots nice. Is there anything that could be done to improve accuracy or is it about as good as it is gonna get? I was hoping to start on the trigger myself, but have read that you can not float a tube mag barrel. Is this correct?

[billdeserthills]

You don't say what caliber it is chambered in, but you can always try a different weight bullet. If you begin to reload your own ammo there are many changes that can be made to your own custom ammo to improve the aim & range of most any gun.

[c3shooter]

Marlin 81 is a .22 LR, so skip the reloading thought.

It is a very good HUNTING grade rifle- it is not a heavy duty TARGET rifle. As you have figured out, the tube feed limits what you will do with bedding barrel, etc.

You best investment may be to do some ammo shopping, and see what your rifle likes best. Cleanup of trigger can help a little. Would mainly suggest that you love it for what it is.

[Eric0424]

You should head over to Rimfire Central's Marlin forums, a lot of very helpful information on the Marlin rifles and a couple of threads on bedding the tube feed rifles. Also a great group of guys and gals to work with.

With a little trigger work, a lot of practice and target grade ammunition it's not uncommon to get 1/2 - 3/4" groups at 100 yards from a bench and bag rest. Weather permitting of course.

I opted for the Rifle Basix trigger on my 917V, but the trigger information at Rimfire Central can get pull eight down without the $90 price tag of the Jard or Rifle Basix triggers.

[Bigdog57]

I wouldn't put money into an aftermarket trigger - my Marlin 80DL and 25MN both benefitted greatly by simply replacing the trigger springs with the lighter springs from mechanical pencils (the much-vaunted "Pentel Spring Trick") and a good polish and burnishing of the trigger/sear contact surfaces - do NOT remove material or change angles, just slick 'em up. Makes a world of difference!
I did do some floating and other tricks on my 80DL - did not make much improvement - as said, it is NOT a target rifle. Still a good shooter though.

[12bhunting]

Thanks for the replies. I will tinker with the trigger and see what happens. I do realize this is not a target rifle, just figured there may be room for improvement. For an old rifle this thing shoots pretty good now. The squirrels are not gonna like this.

[big shrek]

This'll help you with the trigger working...
Marlin Bolt Action Trigger Modification Reference

[12bhunting]

Originally Posted by big shrek

This'll help you with the trigger working...
Marlin Bolt Action Trigger Modification Reference

That is what I was looking for. Thanks for the info!