The Marlin 795, an ideal LTR.

[The Machine]

I admit to using CLP although it is my understanding that a dry lube may be better.

After an AS, I tear the rifle down and clean with 'Break Free POWDER BLAST' aerosol gun cleaner, then spray all moving parts with 'Liquid Wrench High Performance Dry Lubricant'. There's no oily residue to attract dirt and grime like some "wet" lubricants do. I use CCI Mini Mag ammo, and the rifle has performed almost flawlessly after firing about 5,000 rounds through it. 

The majority of complaints mentioned on this and other threads are low-cost, relatively easy, DIY fixes. My biggest beef with this rifle is the trigger feel...not as smooth as I like. I'd put out a few dollars for an aftermarket metal trigger, if one ever becomes available. I also don't understand why the mags are so pricey; they aren't really anything exotic. 

[Another D.O.M.]

My biggest beef with this rifle is the trigger feel...not as smooth as I like. I'd put out a few dollars for an aftermarket metal trigger, if one ever becomes available.

Rimfire Technologies has an aluminum trigger housing for the 795 (http://www.rimfiretechnologies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=15028) that shows promise - I haven't finished putting mine back together yet, as they omitted some spacer washers from my order that I've had to buy from another vendor.

[Erebus]

My observations on the 795:

I have two 795s, and my father has one.  We each have one scoped one, and my primary one has Tech Sights.  I use Winchester Dynapoint ammo and a heavy coat of 20w 50 motor oil as lubricant.  That seems to be the "magic" combination for this rifle.  My 795 with Tech Sights has gone about 1,000 rounds since it's last cleaning without a single reliability problem.  At this point, I'm trying to run it until it fails.  The only malfunctions I've experienced with them were ammunition related.

The only serious problem (and one that I've observed pretty consistently on several 795s) is that unless epic quantities of Loctite and adequate screw tension are used, anything mounted on the receiver rail will "walk" off the back and then fall off.

I haven't done anything to the stock except add a cheek riser made of foam pipe insulation and duct tape, and I haven't done anything to the trigger either.  I quite like the way the triggers on both of mine came from the factory; short predictable takeup, and then a sharp break at about 5 pounds (guestimated).  I may do something to shorten the overtravel, but I'm not sure if it would really make any difference.

I bought a spare magazine guide and catch/ejector assembly and planned to customize both to allow for a "drop free" magazine release.  As time went by though, the magazine guide wore in and I'm not sure it's necessary any more.

[Erebus]

I scored Rifleman without any major modifications to that rifle.

I used to own a 10/22 that did 8" groups at 50 yards off sandbags, while I was producing dime-sized groups the same day with a Marlin 925r off the same sandbags.  Needless to say, I no longer own that rifle (and have no interest in 10/22s).

The Marlin 795 that I added a scope to will place 5 rounds overlapping at 25 yards, and all shots within a 2.5" area at 100 yards when shot out of a rest.

[GoldFish]

I admit to using CLP although it is my understanding that a dry lube may be better.

After an AS, I tear the rifle down and clean with 'Break Free POWDER BLAST' aerosol gun cleaner, then spray all moving parts with 'Liquid Wrench High Performance Dry Lubricant'. There's no oily residue to attract dirt and grime like some "wet" lubricants do. I use CCI Mini Mag ammo, and the rifle has performed almost flawlessly after firing about 5,000 rounds through it.  

The majority of complaints mentioned on this and other threads are low-cost, relatively easy, DIY fixes. My biggest beef with this rifle is the trigger feel...not as smooth as I like. I'd put out a few dollars for an aftermarket metal trigger, if one ever becomes available. I also don't understand why the mags are so pricey; they aren't really anything exotic.  

I use the same "Liquid Wrench Dry Lube" stuff too, on my rifles and on those of others' that jam during shoots.  That stuff works wonders; it ALWAYS helps immediately with jamming problems so often experienced at Appleseeds.

[BeSwift]

I have two 795's set up as loaner rifles.. After about 200 rnd break in period, they have served their function well..reliable with a variety of ammo & accurate. One is scoped.. the other is awaiting Tech Sites... Inexpensive rifles that work.. can't ask for more for the money spent... Gonna try the mods to the stock when time allows and will report back... BeSwift

UPDATE:  Did the steel rod/epoxy in the forestock modification...makes a world of difference in weight and stiffness..
Also just installed the Tech Sites...outstanding... much heavier duty than the Tech Sites on my 10/22. Finally, for those unhappy with the dovetail, try this.... https://www.rimfiretechnologies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=15011  Easy simple solution that works if you're going to install a scope...   

[RPD]

It's not so much who has them the cheapest, but  who even has them.
These guys have them for $15.99
http://www.gunsatcost.com/
Sportsman's Guide carries the 15 rounders, but don't know if they are reliable.

I get them locally at Big 5 and they will order them for you.

Mags for $13.99 at http://www.cdnninvestments.com/mabopre88au2.html

I have both a 795 and 10/22.
I took the 795 out of the box and had nickle sized groups.
Got a new stock (Tapco T6) for the Ruger and had it and the 795 on the line.
The 795 easily outshot the 10/22, even though the Ruger's LOP was better due to the stock.  I've made the "usual" mods to the 10/22
to bring it to the level of the 795.

The scope (old eyes on the Ruger is a Centerpointe 3-9X-40.  The scope on the 795, 4x 1" cheapo special that came with the rifle.
The 795 is light, but that can easily be fixed.  Didn't have any problems with it flexing under pressure though.
I'm sold on the 795.

-RPD

[Another D.O.M.]

Thanks for the heads-up RPD!

[Another D.O.M.]

I just found this ATI stock for the 795 (among others) at Midway (see also http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=14007.msg116746#msg116746)...

[dart67eb]

I just found this ATI stock for the 795 (among others) at Midway (see also http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=14007.msg116746#msg116746)...

I just wrote ATI to see if they can make a 795 stock that has an adjustable lenght of pull.  Otherwise, I like the Dragunov stock and will probably get one.  Also, has anyone looked at drilling and tapping the top of the receiver so you can put on a better scope mount?

[Another D.O.M.]

I just wrote ATI to see if they can make a 795 stock that has an adjustable lenght of pull.  Otherwise, I like the Dragunov stock and will probably get one.

Mine will be in tomorrow - after I get a better look at it I'll post comments.  Agreed that an adjustable LOP and cheek rest would be ideal (although collapsible stocks are verboten in NY and some other states).

Also, has anyone looked at drilling and tapping the top of the receiver so you can put on a better scope mount?

It has been suggested to me that doing so and installing a Weaver rail should be done; however, I have not yet followed up on it.  Anyone???

[dart67eb]

I just found this ATI stock for the 795 (among others) at Midway (see also http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=14007.msg116746#msg116746)...

I just wrote ATI to see if they can make a 795 stock that has an adjustable lenght of pull.  Otherwise, I like the Dragunov stock and will probably get one.  Also, has anyone looked at drilling and tapping the top of the receiver so you can put on a better scope mount?

Yesterday, I had a 45 minute conversation with Walter from ATI.  Initially, he was going to tell me, "Sorry, but that's all we have.." but then I started talking to him about Appleseed and how many shoots we have and how many people come and how I LOVE the 795 and why I want an adjustable stock.  He never heard about us before but now he sounds like he is sold.  They will have to make tooling to do this and he will be talking to the owner about it.  He is also interested in going to the Racine shoot.  The owner has a 14 yr old son and I told him to take them.  I told him I would look into getting them comped.  Now, if we could put it all together with a FFL...

[Another D.O.M.]

Cool - nicely done!

My ATI stock from Midway should be waiting for me when I get home today.  I've also invested in the Rimfire Technologies 3/8" Picatinny Scope Base to get more adjustment for the optics.
MJA

[Another D.O.M.]

OK folks, here's the good:  This is a solidly built stock, consistent w/ ATI's reputation.  It feels comfortable enough, although the protruding horizontal cheek rest will take some getting used to.  The swivel studs are SOLID; the stock is ambidextrous; and tolerances seem to be tight.

Now here's the not so good:  This is definitely NOT a drop-in conversion for the 795.  There will be a fair amount of relief work to be done for the trigger guard assembly to seat correctly.  The material allegedly works well with common woodworking tools; and I'm thinking some Dremel work w/ small router bits.

And the disappointing:  The stock is supposed to ship with a longer rear trigger guard mounting screw to accommodate the additional thickness of the stock structure.  It did not!  So now I have to call ATI tomorrow to request the screw be sent to me (which will probably take just about long enough for me to complete the Dremel work).  I'm really rather surprised, since this stock isn't an import.

[Devnull]

My biggest beef with this rifle is the trigger feel...not as smooth as I like. I'd put out a few dollars for an aftermarket metal trigger, if one ever becomes available.

Rimfire Technologies has an aluminum trigger housing for the 795 (http://www.rimfiretechnologies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=15028) that shows promise - I haven't finished putting mine back together yet, as they omitted some spacer washers from my order that I've had to buy from another vendor.

I have to say for a while I thought that the aluminum trigger guards were more of a "status" symbol or more gun bling. Well after the last AS where I lent mine out I got home and found out that the trigger guard was broken toward the rear near it's screw. I've ordered an aluminum trigger guard now and am hoping it'll arrive soon...

It's a good upgrade from a longevity standpoint. I know if I was the only person using my 795 it would probably never have broken unless I went tumbling down a hill or something, but since it's used by new and old shooters alike it behooves me to go metal instead of a replacement plastic one.

Never would have known they made one if it hadn't been for this thread! 

[Another D.O.M.]

I have to say for a while I thought that the aluminum trigger guards were more of a "status" symbol or more gun bling. Well after the last AS where I lent mine out I got home and found out that the trigger guard was broken toward the rear near it's screw. I've ordered an aluminum trigger guard now and am hoping it'll arrive soon...

It's a good upgrade from a longevity standpoint. I know if I was the only person using my 795 it would probably never have broken unless I went tumbling down a hill or something, but since it's used by new and old shooters alike it behooves me to go metal instead of a replacement plastic one.

Never would have known they made one if it hadn't been for this thread! 

I've read somewhere that no matter how careful you are eventually the plastic guard cracks at one or both of the screw holes, just because the plastic ages and becomes brittle.

One major advantage you will find w/ the aluminum housing is that the mag release is much more accessible.  With the plastic housing there is a built up triangular section between the front of the housing and the mag release button that nearly touches it.  Since the aluminum housing is stronger, this built up section is unnecessary; without it there is about a 3/4" increase in the opening between the housing and the release button (meaning your finger or thumb can actually get in there to apply some much needed pressure to trip the release).  Another nice thing was that mine shipped w/ a trigger over-travel adjustment screw.

As I recall, my last shipment from Rimfire Tech. took around a week to receive...

[Another D.O.M.]

I have a few minutes to follow up on this thread...

1.  The ATI stock is still waiting to be modified for the trigger guard - I've been busy running to Appleseeds and work.  I'll get to it...

2.  The plastic trigger guard on my wife's rifle developed a crack through the front mount hole after her third or fourth use (and after her first two day Appleseed).  Clearly a design flaw that should be remedied by Marlin, IMO.

3.  The factory 'rail' on top of the receiver is, quite simply, about useless.  My scope rings have 'walked off' the rear of this rail three times; and no amount of torque or loctite will fix this.  Upon closer inspection I've found that the 'machining' (I use this term loosely, as it's really just cast aluminum and not machined at all) is so disparate from one end to the other, and from one side to the other, that there is no flat surface for the rings to grip onto.  I'm actually surprised that the rear Tech-SIGHT on my wife's rifle hasn't fallen off yet.

4.  In an effort to remedy #3 above, I've invested in the previously mentioned Rimfire Technologies 3/8 picatinny rail for the rifle.  Unfortunately, because of the poor quality of the factory rail groove, the aftermarket rail cannot be attached according to Rimfire's instructions.  In fact, Rimfire states clearly in their instructions that 795s 3 years old or newer will probably require a gunsmith to get the rail attached.  I have found that it was necessary to file some of the receiver off for the aftermarket rail to slide onto the factory rail; and then when I tighten up the locking screws they push the picatinny rail right off of the factory rail.  Again, this appears to be a serious design flaw that requires some attention by Marlin, IMO.

5.  To overcome both #3 & #4 above, I've resorted to J-B Welding the picatinny rail onto the receiver.  I'll need to look into a set of AR iron sights if I ever remove the scope.

6.  The Rimfire Technologies aluminum trigger guard was swapped into my wife's rifle to replace the cracked plastic one.  Generally speaking this is an improvement - however, last weekend she experienced a problem w/ the safety that may be due to faulty tolerances in the new trigger guard.  Specifically, when the rifle is lying on it's side, the safety button drops spontaneously back into the non-safe position; and it appears that the safety was actually engaging during the string of fire, causing the rifle to fail to fire.  I can't say for certain this is the case as I wasn't shooting it, but it seems from her description of what she was experiencing that this is what may have happened.  I'll have to pull the safety apart in that trigger guard to see if the OEM spring is too short so the detent ball isn't properly engaging.  If so, I'll have to put some thought into a fix.  Clearly J-B Weld won't help me here.

Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
MJA

[dart67eb]

Thanks for the update on the metal trigger assy.  I'm going to look at modifying one of my 795's by drilling and tapping some sort of weaver mount to it.  I'v also brought up the comb using foam and that works for me.

[Another D.O.M.]

4.  In an effort to remedy #3 above, I've invested in the previously mentioned Rimfire Technologies 3/8 picatinny rail for the rifle.  Unfortunately, because of the poor quality of the factory rail groove, the aftermarket rail cannot be attached according to Rimfire's instructions.  In fact, Rimfire states clearly in their instructions that 795s 3 years old or newer will probably require a gunsmith to get the rail attached.  I have found that it was necessary to file some of the receiver off for the aftermarket rail to slide onto the factory rail; and then when I tighten up the locking screws they push the picatinny rail right off of the factory rail.  Again, this appears to be a serious design flaw that requires some attention by Marlin, IMO.

5.  To overcome both #3 & #4 above, I've resorted to J-B Welding the picatinny rail onto the receiver.  I'll need to look into a set of AR iron sights if I ever remove the scope.

The Rimfire rail is now permanently (?) bonded to the receiver, the scope (Simmons .22 MAG^®, #511072)  is in place, and the eye relief is now much better than I was able to achieve using the factory rail and rings.

While I was at it I dropped everything into the wooden stock I bought from Numrich.  Here are a couple of pictures:


Finished rifle.  Pay no attention to the shameless plug for CCI...


Closeup of the receiver & mounted rail.

6.  The Rimfire Technologies aluminum trigger guard was swapped into my wife's rifle to replace the cracked plastic one.  Generally speaking this is an improvement - however, last weekend she experienced a problem w/ the safety that may be due to faulty tolerances in the new trigger guard.  Specifically, when the rifle is lying on it's side, the safety button drops spontaneously back into the non-safe position; and it appears that the safety was actually engaging during the string of fire, causing the rifle to fail to fire.  I can't say for certain this is the case as I wasn't shooting it, but it seems from her description of what she was experiencing that this is what may have happened.  I'll have to pull the safety apart in that trigger guard to see if the OEM spring is too short so the detente ball isn't properly engaging.  If so, I'll have to put some thought into a fix.  Clearly J-B Weld won't help me here.

This one is likely my fault.  I pulled the safety apart and found that the detente pin was sticking badly, either from a lack of lubrication or from a small amount of LocTite^® seeping in, or both.  I've cleaned and oiled the parts and now it seems to be working correctly.  My wife is now demanding a refund of her tuition for the Sunday session; lucky for me she was a freebie.

On a side note, I have to say that I'm disappointed with the quality control (or lack of it) in the packing department of Rimfire Technologies.  I've purchased two of their aluminum trigger guards so far and both have arrived with missing parts - the first was missing the spacer washers and the second was missing the trigger over-travel screw.  If anyone decides to buy one of these trigger guards, be forewarned.

Now we need to get some trigger time in on these two rifles...
MJA

[dart67eb]

Here are my LTR's.  Cheap scopes, nothing fancy, but they work.

[Wheeler44]

I may have mentioned this before.....I solved the sliding scope mount problem on Marlins and Mossbergs with the 3/8" dovetail by liberally applying clear "kevlar" nail polish when mounting the scopes.....The bottle really says "kevlar"..

W44 

[Another D.O.M.]

W44 - I don't remember seeing that tidbit but may have missed it.  Thanks a bunch for this info!  I have to tell you, that's the one major issue I've run into on the 795.  If you've fixed it you're my hero!
MJA

[dalesp]

I may have mentioned this before.....I solved the sliding scope mount problem on Marlins and Mossbergs with the 3/8" dovetail by liberally applying clear "kevlar" nail polish when mounting the scopes.....The bottle really says "kevlar"..

W44 

I used some blue Loctite® and it has held for at least 3 Appleseeds and an IBC.  I have locktite in my range box -- nail polish, not so much . . .

[dart67eb]

I spoke to Walt at ATI today and he said ATI would make a collapsible M-4 style stock if they could sell 10,000 for a MSRP of @ $100.  We all know the street price would be lower.  He is going to talk to sales and see if they know anybody at Marlin so we could do a package.  I told him that AS would support the LTR with a free shoot certificate.  Anybody have any ideas?

[marrandy]

Perhaps a lot of us Appleseeders should contact Marlin asking them to consider making a complete LTR based on the Marlin 795.

That means:-

a)   Better stock ie. ATI (if they complete it) or something wooden or stronger, less flexible plastic, heavier.

b)   Better sights similar to or just  Tech Sights.

c)   With swivels/buckles

d)   With USGI sling

e)   Two extra mag's for a total of Three.

f)   Metal trigger guard as the plastic one cracks.

g)   Drop free mag's as currently it is quite stiff.

h)   Improved scope mount.

ie.  The Appleseeder LTR so you can buy it totally complete with no need to hunt around and order parts.

Regards...Martin

I spoke to Walt at ATI today and he said ATI would make a collapsible M-4 style stock if they could sell 10,000 for a MSRP of @ $100.  We all know the street price would be lower.  He is going to talk to sales and see if they know anybody at Marlin so we could do a package.  I told him that AS would support the LTR with a free shoot certificate.  Anybody have any ideas?

[dart67eb]

Perhaps a lot of us Appleseeders should contact Marlin asking them to consider making a complete LTR based on the Marlin 795.

That means:-

a)   Better stock ie. ATI (if they complete it) or something wooden or stronger, less flexible plastic, heavier.

b)   Better sights similar or just  Tech Sights.

c)   With swivels/buckles

d)   With USGI sling

ie.  The Appleseeder LTR so you can buy it totally complete with no need to hunt around and order parts.

Regards...Martin

I spoke to Walt at ATI today and he said ATI would make a collapsible M-4 style stock if they could sell 10,000 for a MSRP of @ $100.  We all know the street price would be lower.  He is going to talk to sales and see if they know anybody at Marlin so we could do a package.  I told him that AS would support the LTR with a free shoot certificate.  Anybody have any ideas?

Don't forget an extra mag.

[marrandy]

Don't forget an extra mag.

Good point.  An extra Two mag's in case one fails.  That would be a problem with the 2 & 8 with mag change on the AQT.

Also a more sturdy trigger guard.  I've amended the list below.

[cswhitfield]

I have spoken to a customer rep at Marlin about the 795 as a LTR.  I needed a replacement spring for the safety (lost the original when I was installing the al. trigger guard).  He had not heard of Appleseed and seemed genuinely interested, not just being polite.  I have not followed up but I will soon.  My 30 odd year old Mdl. 60 has a 22" barrel.  I would like to see that on a 795 along with a beefier stock.  Also would like to have the receiver drilled and tapped for a scope.  That along with a set of military  style sights (Tech Sights) would make an excellent LTR platform without running the price way up.  I've had good luck finding factory 10 round mags at gun shows - $15.00.  I stiffened the forsetock as mentioned above on both mine and my grandson's before ever shooting them. The trigger on mine needs work but grandson's is much better.  Even my trigger is much better "out of the box" than any of my 10-22s.  Both 795s shoot 10 rounds into a single hole you can cover with a dime at 25 m off of sand bags.

Craig
ps:  Rimfire Technologies is currently out of the Al. trigger guards.  They are using all of their capacity turning out parts for 10-22s.  They told me they should have more around Thanksgiving.

[dart67eb]

ps:  Rimfire Technologies is currently out of the Al. trigger guards.  They are using all of their capacity turning out parts for 10-22s.  They told me they should have more around Thanksgiving.

That's 'cause a 10/22 stinks without 'parts'!  Anyway, I put 5 in a hole a little bigger than an eraser at 25m with mine.  What's that, 1 moa?

[marrandy]

ps:  Rimfire Technologies is currently out of the Al. trigger guards.  They are using all of their capacity turning out parts for 10-22s.  They told me they should have more around Thanksgiving.

From what I have heard (YMMV), Rimfire never made the parts.  They were made by a company called Diversified Innovative Products (DIP Inc.)  that was in the same complex and then sold by Rimfire.

http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/marlin/82869-marlin-60-795-accessories-6.html#post1243051


They have now separated.  Try here.

http://www.diproductsinc.com/Products.aspx?CAT=3603