Marlin 880 SQ Range Report

[nsmi]

I came across an 880 SQ and was in the market for an accurate bolt action. I had a Marlin 780 as a kid. Was impressed when I got it, much more substantial (heavier) than I thought it would be.

This is a 1996 model and (I think) has the 2000L barrel with the rear dovetail and tapped for a front sight. Crown looks unusual compared to my others. It is even, hard to see in these pictures.

I was expecting more at this range from this gun. I have a semi auto Marlin 7000 that can out shoot this

I'll stretch it out in the spring and see how it does at distance.

Was I expecting too much?



I was expecting a lot more one hole groups like the Model 7000.




Going to try a Rifle Basix trigger










Crown is even

 

[justin amateur]

About what I'd expect to see from a plastic stocked entry level rimfire.
To obtain better accuracy you'll need to replace the stock and stop using hi-v ammo.
I've tried reinforcing an inexpensive synthetic stock, but the end results weren't worth the effort.

 

[WTW]

I have an 880SQ from about the 1999 time frame. That rifle is a hammer with Green Tag- Dime 10 shot groups at 50 yards easy. The triggers on the 880's are horrible, I have had mine cleaned up to break a little over 2 pounds and it made a huge difference. Is your barrel free floating? I also had bedded mine.

 

[JoeMartin]

First thing came to mind was you need a trigger job. Marlins can be made to shoot tight groups, though I would first do a step by step approach. Get rid of that heavy trigger pull (I'll try to find the link and post it for the repair / spring replacement), and go through the steps of finding what ammo works best in this particular rifle. I've always had a soft spot for Marlins.

Here you go, the Marlin "Home" trigger fix... You'll be surprised!

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...37-marlin-882-925-25-etc-trigger-mod-job.html

 

[nsmi]

Thanks all, the barrel is not free floated. I have a Boyd's Tacticool on order and a Rifle Basix trigger.

I have a stock semi auto Model 7000 and with Wolf it shoots 1 ragged hole for 5 shots. Was expecting at least that with the bolt action. I'll update with the new stock and trigger, I may bed it for good measure and free float the barrel.

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

play alittle with that the torque on that front "barrel dovetail" mounting screw. probably the biggest downfall of the rig is that, but at the same token can be used to "tune" it a little.

the trigger job is a must, to give it a whirl do the bic pen spring thing joe m. posted above, or get a whole replacement (rifle basix)

there's alot of accuracy to be found in these marlins, you just have to spend alittle time with them.

you can see the difference match / std vel ammo makes on your target, pick one you like / can find and stick with it.

 

[terrible tim]

Trigger, muzzle crown, stock.

 

[hatidua]

I had an 880-SQ 6-8 years ago. A trigger job certainly helped, but it never really did as well as I had hoped and it soon found a new home.

 

[yoteman]

Trigger, muzzle crown, stock.

from the pictures, tim said it already
the crown looks bad
must have a great muzzle crown, to get the acc, you are looking for