pmsmith2032
New member
I have a Marlin 30AS 30-30 (I believe purchased in 1985 or 1986) that I purchased from a friend a couple of years ago. It shoots pretty well (I haven't shot it all that much). I am going to use it as a backup for hunting season this year and would like to modify it this coming winter. I figured I'd post on here for suggestions after receiving great advice on my Ruger M77. ere is what I have in mind:
1. Trigger - Either replace with a Happy-Trigger kit or work on the existing one. I would like the trigger to be around 3.5 pounds. Which is the better option for the money. I have basic tools and am fairly handy.
2. Replace the factory stock with a black laminate stock. Any suggestions on where I can pick one up for under $200? Are there any issues with my model (forend cap, etc)?
3. I read somewhere about modifying the length of the magazine tube? Is this necessary and how would I do it? What are the benefits/disadvantages of my rifle with the forend cap as opposed to those with the barrel bands?
4. There is currently a Tasco 4x scope on it. What would be a good upgrade in this department?
5. It has a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad on it. I know this pad is at least 10 years old (and could be a lot older). Is there any benefit on putting on a new one (has the technology/models changed at all)?
6. Finish - The rifle is currently blued and in good condition (no rust, bluing not worn). However, I think the rifle with a black laminate stock looks a lot better with a stainless/silver finish. Any suggestions on this? I've seen NP3 finishes by Robar and it looks very nice but spending over $400 on a rifle that isn't even worth that much seems like a lot. I've also seen Cerakote finish but I'm worried about durability.
7. I've never really torn down the entire rifle and cleaned/oiled it. Any "how to's" on this? Any specific area of concern?
8. I'm currently using reloads of Speer 170 grain bullets with 32 grains of W-W748 powder. Any suggestions on other reloads to try?
9. Any other mod suggestions?
Thanks!
1. Trigger - Either replace with a Happy-Trigger kit or work on the existing one. I would like the trigger to be around 3.5 pounds. Which is the better option for the money. I have basic tools and am fairly handy.
2. Replace the factory stock with a black laminate stock. Any suggestions on where I can pick one up for under $200? Are there any issues with my model (forend cap, etc)?
3. I read somewhere about modifying the length of the magazine tube? Is this necessary and how would I do it? What are the benefits/disadvantages of my rifle with the forend cap as opposed to those with the barrel bands?
4. There is currently a Tasco 4x scope on it. What would be a good upgrade in this department?
5. It has a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad on it. I know this pad is at least 10 years old (and could be a lot older). Is there any benefit on putting on a new one (has the technology/models changed at all)?
6. Finish - The rifle is currently blued and in good condition (no rust, bluing not worn). However, I think the rifle with a black laminate stock looks a lot better with a stainless/silver finish. Any suggestions on this? I've seen NP3 finishes by Robar and it looks very nice but spending over $400 on a rifle that isn't even worth that much seems like a lot. I've also seen Cerakote finish but I'm worried about durability.
7. I've never really torn down the entire rifle and cleaned/oiled it. Any "how to's" on this? Any specific area of concern?
8. I'm currently using reloads of Speer 170 grain bullets with 32 grains of W-W748 powder. Any suggestions on other reloads to try?
9. Any other mod suggestions?
Thanks!