[CaliCoastie]

well kinda as the topic says, a guy i work with hasnt had alot of time/experince shooting. last weekend i took him out shooting and he loved shooting my marlins(336 in 30-30, and 39a), the other day i we hit a pawn shop and saw a pre s/n 81dl with a price of 85$. yesterday he went back and got it for 75 otd with a few boxes of ammo thrown in, he was over today cleaning it and boy does it look good. its pre 53 as it has ballard rifling. no other indications of age that i can tell, the sling on it looks some what military. thought people would be interested, and any info on the 81dl would be greatfull.

PS its his first rifle and he loves it, and wants a 30-30.

 

[Slugo]

That was my 1st real rifle as a kid. I have been hooked on peep sights the rest of my life. Many an evil rabbit or squirrel met their match. Have fun.

 

[Barenjager]

If it's as nice as you say, Cali...it sounds like he got a good buy. I picked up this very clean 81DL not so long ago and was comfortable paying $120...

I've noticed quite a bit of difference in the stock styling and bolt handles throughout the years of manufacture. This example has an unfluted comb and the forend flairs out just in front of the receiver giving it nearly a semi-beavertail look, like a modern varmint or benchrest rifle...

This 81 has proven completely reliable and very accurate and that long sight radius, with the receiver mounted peep, sure helps these aging eyes to wring the best out of it.

So when is he going to come aboard as a member? I'm sure we can help fuel his new-found addiction.

Roe

 

[CaliCoastie]

well we went to shoot it today, and it wont feed. checked it and it seams the cartridge cut off isnt droping far enough to feed the round. dont know where to go from here, the cut off is connected to the lifter which rides on the bolt. all we need is about another 1/16th of an inch. thoughts? right now i cant stop him, he has a hammer and.... hope to direct him different.

 

[pete451]

I had the same problem with my 81DL. If you remove the carrier from the gun, you will see an aluminum pin that holds it together. On mine, the top of that pin was worn off from the bolt riding on it to push it down. You can't easily remove the pin but I just grabbed it with a pair of pliers and turned it until new metal was on top. I suppose after another 50 years of use I may have problems with it again, but it's working great right now!

Ken