981T, first impressions & range report

[glock fan]

Took the 981T to the range today!  Good news-  250 rds. and no malfunctions.  Only used half a brick of Remington gold bullet bulk ammo.  Excellent performance & accuracy.  The whole tube (15rds.) was going into the 10 circle @ 50 yds.  Did this with multiple targets.  I was able to cover 5-shot groups with a quarter on the last three targets.    Didn't get a chance to shoot @ 100 yds. as everyone & their brother was @ the range today due to the start of hunting season.  Bad news- the trigger is really as bad as everyone says it is.  The trigger on this rifle maybe the worst trigger I've ever pulled.  I've had milsurp Mosin Nagants & SKSs that had a better trigger pull.  It didn't have a "feel" to it.  It was dead.  There was no real "break" to it.  I thought this trigger needs a come-along to get it to pull through cleanly.  Maybe it will get better after the break-in period.  My quarter sized groups will shrink to a dime or a ragged hole with a good clean trigger pull.  I thought surely folks were exagerating but no its for real.  Shame on Marlin for making such a great rifle with such a lousy trigger pull.  Otherwise I'm a happy camper.  Love the rifle and everything else about, except the trigger.

[outdoorz4me]

I put a rifle basix trigger in mine, easy to install, about $60 from Midway, Adjustable to a very low pull weight, feels like a glass rod snapping, very nice!

[glock fan]

Thanks for the tip.  However, I might try another tack first.  I've seen another thread where a guy replaced the original trigger spring with a spring from a fountain pen.  I know it sounds crazy but a couple of other guys tried it and they claim it works great.  I figure if it works it would be a cheap & easy fix.  If it doesn't I can always replace the trigger later on.  I read your previous posts about your rifle and it sounds like you've got a great rifle now.  I put a 4x12x40 Bushnell scope on mine and am very happy with its accuracy given the trigger issue.  All in all, I'm very happy with the rifle.  I like my Marlin model 60 too.  Now, I'm contemplating getting a Marlin 22mag as well.  I guess I've become a Marlin fan as of late.