[Squirrel Dover]

View attachment 99658 Well I did it. I thought long and hard about this rifle and decided if I did not cut it, it would be another safe queen. I had my smithy cut the barrel 16 1/2" from the front of the receiver. I filed it true and used 800 grit to polish the end of the barrel, then crowned it with the brass screw method. I have to say that it turned out great. I ordered the big loop from Brownnels and it fit right into place. I installed it, then worked the lever about 20 times. I removed it and put lapping compound on the contact areas, installed it again, then worked the action about 200 times while watching Gunsmoke out in the man cave. Right after Doc pulled a slug from Marshall Dillion's shoulder, I removed the lever and bolt, cleaned and oiled them lightly and put it back together. It is very smooth and will get even better after used more. A set of Williams Fire Sights and see thru mounts makes it perfect for my hunting situations. A new Leupold 2x7x33 Vx-1 tops it off. I'm looking forward to trying it out, maybe this weekend. View attachment 99657

 

[biggog]

Very nice looking XLR. I would never do it to mine, but it looks great. You're right about not letting it be a safe Queen. It was made to enjoy.

 

[bigjeepman]

Really nice looking Marlin ... great work!

 

[myflatline]

Nice job Squirrel, once you cut one its down hill from there. Still doing the final touches on mine and already looking for another prospect.

 

[c.t.smith]

Yup mine was gonna be a safe queen as well so I did the same
This one is in the mail to me but its staying stock. or at least close to stock :biggrin:

 

[McyNHMarlin]

I'm wanting more and more to cut something down, all these projects looks great!

 

[Konnorman]

Looks great.I cut down my 1974 444 Marlin last week!

 

[JACKTW]

Wow, that turned out great!

Seeing all these shorties lately is giving me a terrible itch I might have to scratch. :biggrin:

Jack

 

[Squirrel Dover]

Thanks to all for the nice comments. To those of you that are thinking about a project like this, it didn't hurt a bit!

 

[Sidespin]

Oh for pete's sake!
Ss

 

[Mountain Hunter]

What a great looking setup! I like it.
How about a range report? Have you had a chance to shoot it yet?

 

[trapper-xx]

I sure like those shorties!

 

[GaCop]

Ya done good! :congrats:

 

[Lucky1]

Really nice job....Wood matches great on that SS set up.

 

[mattusmc]

I have thought about cutting mine too. I have a 336D that is just super sweet. I haven't made the leap of faith yet to get the XLR cut though, just feel like if I want the shorty I'll grab the D.
Yours looks great though, nice work!!