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Old 09-03-2009, 11:31 AM
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PALADIN85020 PALADIN85020 is offline
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wundudnee,

Interesting additional information. My model 75 sporter, which is a derivative of the Model 69A, is just a tad more accurate than any 69A I own (I have 11). I suspect you hit on the answer. The Model 75 is chambered and rifled like its big brother, the target rifle. So it must be that the chamber is designed for .22LR only, and the rifling specifically for .22 LR. (Update: I just checked, the barrel is marked ".22 Long Rifle", not LR, L, and S) That rifle, scoped, will shoot cloverleaves at 25 yards, while the 69As typically have a tad more open group.

Gun Tests ran an article recently comparing the 69A with a Marlin 80-DL and a Marlin 980S. Firing five shot groups from a machine rest at 50 yards, the results were:

Ely Match 40 grain: 1.4 in
Federal Classic 40 grain: 1.0 in
Remington Yellow Jacket 33 gr. HP TC: .8 in
CCI Velocitor 40 gr. HP: .7 in

For three of the four loads, all the other rifles turned in larger groups than the old 69A. The 69A used an old .75 inch B-4 Weaver, while the other rifles used more modern scopes. Not bad for an old timer!

I have dolled up one of my 69As with a Fajen sporter stock, complete with Monte Carlo comb and checkering. It feels more like a Model 70. I equipped it with a ramped front sight, obtained on eBay, so it now looks a lot more elegant. I also worked the trigger down to 2 lbs and installed a trigger shoe positioned to limit overtravel. When I show it to folks, they can't figure out what it is until they see the stamping on the barrel. The barreled action likes the stock, and it's one of the more accurate 69As I own.

Here's a shot of my "product improved" 69A. I rather like the way it turned out:

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Last edited by PALADIN85020; 09-03-2009 at 12:36 PM.
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