Once again I find myself in total agreement with Greyfox. The Marlin 25Y is the perfect youngster's rifle: inexpensive, properly sized and balanced, safe and accurate. My shooting pard picked up one of these for use at the lodge by his innumerable grandkids. A 15-minute light trigger stoning and a good quality one-inch rimfire 'scope made it a literal tack driver. We put 11 rounds through one hole at 25 yds with it, shooting alternately and passing the rifle back and forth; then the slab, sides sore with laughter, pulled one off the group. we measured the 11 round group c-to-c at .11". Can't do much finer than that for $115.00!
[Error correction: After seeing John's pic below, I realize that the model Marlin I was referring to was the 15YN, not the 25, which is a full sized rifle suitable for the older shooter.]
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An armed man is a citizen; an unarmed man is a subject; a disarmed man is a slave.
[This message has been edited by slabsides (edited June 23, 1999).]