Sad news

It's making the rounds today that Marlin Firearms will be closing in 2011.

This is truly sad news. Despite all the efforts of 2009's Gun Salesman of the Year, some companies just couldn't make it: CavArms (although that is arguably their own damn fault), AnvilArms (too big too soon, it sounds), and now Marlin. Last year's black rifle and handgun rush, of course, didn't do a whole lot for Marlin's bottom line, as they are traditionally a "Fudd" gunmaker...

I grabbed myself a 795 last week and would recommend it to anyone looking for an inexpensive rimfire range toy or a less-expensive alternative to the 10/22 for an Appleseed Liberty Training Rifle. Mine is light and comfortable, and the sights only need a tiny bit of drift to be dead-on. With a $25 mail-in-rebate, you're looking at a hair over a c-note out the door. A steal, I assure you.

The next trick is to figure out how to get the stainless guide gun .45-70 that I want; and sooner rather than later.