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Backpack Survival Rifle


This is a Marlin Glenfield Model 20 bolt action .22 lr with detachable magazine which I found at a gunshow for $50 in the fall of 2000. This is the basis of my Backpack Survival Rifle. I was inspired by an article in the August 1996 American Survival Guide to build my own takedown survival rifle. ASG used a Marlin bolt action .22WRM instead of a long rifle however. They also mounted a Long Eye Relief scope and used a laminated stock which they skeletonized. I did away with these 'extra' features. I went with the plain stock, a Williams rear aperature sight with a tall front blade. I chose the .22LR and this model especially since it take the same magazine as another Marlin I already own. I purchased a Model 780 in 1988 for $75 and it is basically a newer version of the Model 20.

Here is the BSR assembled and ready to go with four detachable 7 round magazines and a leather sling. I cut the barrel down to 16.5" cut the stock so that the length matched that of the reciever/barrel when disassembled. I mounted the front sling stud on the FRONT of the forend to get it out of the way. I dovetailed a groove for the front sight using files. I cut the barrel using a hacksaw and lots of PATIENCE! The crown was finished with a brass round headed bolt and valve grinding compound. The Williams sight mounted on the side of the reciever which was already drilled and tapped for it. The takedown knob which allows assembly/disassembly without tools, was made by a friend I met on the internet about three years ago when I wanted to start this project. Now I just need to build a case.

Here is the completed BSR beside the Model 780 mentioned above. As you can see they take the same magazines and are physically similar. But the accessories make them stand apart. The 780 is set up with a TALL Harris bipod and a Tasco 6-24x40mm scope. This rifle is capable of killing gophers at 110+ yards consistently! The BSR with it's two open sight systems, short barrel and shortened stock is a fine 50 yard or so rifle. I wouldn't trade either of them.

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