I'm fortunate enough to be at a place in my firearm's life where I don't need another gun and these days it is about want. I had made up my mind to find a nice .22LR bolt rifle in need of some TLC and make it my next project. I went to one of my favorite pushers and didn't find anything the category that intrigued me but I did spy a 1965 Marlin/Glenfield 36G that surely caught my eye. I had long ago decided that if I did a stubby carbine it would have a short mag tube. It is both easier (cheaper) to accomplish the end product and I find the short tubed guns to handle very nicely.
The gun was used for sure but in good mechanical shape. Bluing was worn and spotted in places and someone along the years had refinished the stocks. I fondled it for a good long while before putting it back on the rack and leaving the store.
A couple weeks later I was back in the shop, again checking on a bolt .22 that talked to me and I saw the old Glenfield still sitting there. Again I fondled it for a good long while but this time I asked the shop owner is bottom line price. He came back with one that was agreeable to me and the deal was made.
I didn't even bring it home. I just drove straight over to my smith's shop and told him to lop the barrel back to 16.25" and re-cut the sight dovetail. I could have tried to tackle it myself in my brother in law's machine shop but for $75 I figured it was money well spent.
A couple weeks later it was done and home. The previous re-finish was alright but not to my liking by any means so I soon had at the stocks. Birch can be a challenge but I'm happy with the results. There were issues with the butt plate fitment, due both to original manufacturer and no doubt the prior refinish. Basically, it would not sit tight and flush to the stock. It was also very proud of the wood in many spots (aggressive sanding during the prior refinish). A simple fix would have been to drill the screw holes a little deeper but me and Ma Necessity got together and come up with a more unique solution. I made a thin red spacer out of a plastic Folger's coffee "can".
I topped it with a Williams 94/36FP with an extended shank Twilight Aperature.
I haven't got to shoot it yet. I was supposed to get out yesterday but that didn't work out but if it shoots half as good as it handles it will be a dream come true!
The woods I stomp around in are thick, steep, and full of critters with sharp teeth. My intent for this little carbine was a general utility gun for trips to get wood with my best friend, have handy in the tent when camping, hunting the real thick/rugged spots, etc. I think it will serve it's role splendidly!
This last picture shows my Cold Steel Mini-Tac Tanto which is also a great little wood's tool.
Anyway, I'm just excited and wanted to share.
