Loaner setup

[Rafn]

Working on building up some loaners.  At this point I've a couple 795's and just picked up a bubbaed to hell Glenfield 60 (yes, pre 1968 (no SN), pre Marlin merger).  The Glenfield appears to be in decent mechanical shape now that she's in a takeoff 795 stock (it only takes a few seconds to dremel out the end for the tube) and using the takeoff 795 trigger.  No safety yet - I need to soak the old trigger group in paint remover to take it apart, but that's not a major issue.

Here is the question:  If she shoots worth a damn (haven't taken her to the range yet - just got her into a new stock with a trigger capable of moving tonight, but I've yet to hear of one that didn't), should I consider using her for a loaner or just keep her as a bunny gun.

Key points:
Total cost so far: $27.20 ($26 for the rifle, $1.20 for screws).
Glenfield 60's are tube fed and the bolt does not lock back.
A scope will cost far less than peep sights - probably will be able to pick something tolerable up from a junk bin or garage sale (under $10).

Next questions (next week's junk auction): Are Savage 64's without magazines worth picking up?  Is there a cheap source for mags?

[Xeyed]

Congrats on your Alaska Success.

Never shot a Savage 64, but if the price is right it'll work as a loaner. Sounds like you can handle any gunsmithing required.

Found Mags at Midway. Not "cheap" but not bad for magazines http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=141374

Good Luck.

Xeyed

[jmdavis]

Sounds like a good deal. The bolt should lock open if you pull it to the rear and push in on the handle. At least the one that I bought when I was a kid did, as have those I have come across on the line.

Good luck,

Mike

[Rafn]

Just tore her down to check - was hoping it was gummed up with rattlecan.  Unfortunately it looks like it predates the manual BHO (bolt hold open).  The charging handle doesn't appear to be able to move in and out on the 60 like the modern 60's and 795's do, lacks the post on the inner end and matching dimple on receiver.

As dirty as the action is, I suspect the only cleaning has been with a bath of WD-40 through the side.  The circlips on either end of the hammer pin and one on the sear pin were missing - getting it back together was a pain.  On the plus side, they are only essential if you take the action out.  The store that was selling it gets a lot of guns that have been out in the bush for decades.  These guns were all used as essential tools; possibly by little old ladies who take moose with a single shot from a .22 (or put competitive shooters to shame with a .44mag, as told to me by the competitive shooter). 

On the plus side, it's the only time I've felt a marlin trigger that could be described as breaking glass.  Breaking thick glass, yes, but the second stage is tiny.

Any way to move this post?  I suspect I should have started it in the tech forum instead...