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Old April 14, 2018, 04:47 PM   #26
Pathfinder45
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The Marlin model 60, and it's variants, is one of the most successful rimfire series in America. There is probably only one other front-runner that rivals it, which is, of course, the Ruger 10-22. I've had both.
The easiest answer to the original question, is to simply live with the model 60 and be happy about it. The next viable idea, is to replace it with either the Marlin 795 or the Ruger 10-22, which you could literally do today before the sun goes down.
If you were me, you simply would not abide with a plastic stock. In that case, Since the Marlin is preferred, you would look far and wide for an older, wood-stocked, clip-fed version. Perhaps something like this: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/764439094
The idea of replacing a 22LR with a 17 rimfire is not good. They are just completely different. It's fine to add a 17HMR to what you have, but it can never replace the 22LR until the ammo is priced the same. And when do you think that will happen? Sure, the 17 will do some things well that the 22 can't. But the 22 will do everything you need until it's time for a centerfire.
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Old April 14, 2018, 08:27 PM   #27
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I have a Mossberg 817 bolt action. It is a good shooter.

I also have a Mossberg 144LS. It's been in the family for a long time.
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Old April 15, 2018, 01:34 AM   #28
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Get a Ruger 1022. An opinion it is, but the Ruger is a much better rifle than the Marlin 60. Much more reliable, has replaceable magazines of all sorts, tons of mods and accessories.

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Old April 15, 2018, 02:24 AM   #29
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Also have both models, and while I like the Marlin 60, I prefer tubies, in general.
For a little more than the base 10/22, you can get a 10/22 Take Down, easier to clean,
carry, and with a nice ballistic nylon case, for @325$. They also have a model with a very attractive Mannlicher-style stock.
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Old April 15, 2018, 06:29 AM   #30
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If you're not going to carry it a lot, the Ruger 10-22T bull-barrel rifle is really a steady platform to shoot critters and plink. They tend to have more accurate barrels than the sporters, if you're looking for better than 1" groups at 25 yards.

I've tuned some that easily grouped 1/2" at 50 yards with CCI Standard Velocity ammo.

BTW: I've hunted woodchucks with many different kinds of cartridges, including .22LR, .22 Mag, .223, .22-250, .243, and .30-06. They're quite tough and tend to get into their burrows when hit with less than perfect shots from any cartridge, but more so with .22LR. I don't like to have anything I shoot get away to suffer an agonizing death, so tend to use centerfires with varmint bullets, even at relatively short distances.

Last edited by Picher; April 15, 2018 at 06:40 AM.
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Old April 15, 2018, 06:54 AM   #31
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The .17 sounds perfect for your needs. Probably dispatched a couple hundred or so coons/possums. Does a much better job than the .22. Nothing walks. Never saw an exit wound. Mine (Savage) was around $200. I've cloverleafed at 100 yds.
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Old April 15, 2018, 09:28 AM   #32
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My 22s in the order I got them (I think I have all variations covered other than single shot):
Marlin 25MN with 7 round magazine
Marlin 60 with tube magazine
Henry lever action with tube magazine
Mossberg Blaze 47 with 25 round magazine

The one I shoot most often and enjoy the most is the Mossberg Blaze 47 as it holds more ammo and it the lightest. All of them have been 100% reliable and are more accurate than I am.
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Old April 15, 2018, 06:43 PM   #33
vaaccess
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So I spent some time looking at/holding/reading about the 10/22. Obviously a nice gun...

However, I'm not sure which one to get and whether to buy new or not. For instance, in a local store I found a 19" variant (I think it was the Carbine) with wood stock, original magazine and a 25-capacity magazine, also mounted with a Nikon Prostaff scope for $279. It looked to be in great shape.

Another store also had the Sporter 22" stainless new for $329, $299 for the standard 22" barrel. I already have a Bushnell Banner scope that I've used on the Marlin and think it's good.

Question is...is there a real benefit of the 22" vs 19"? From what I've read, it'll have more speed out of the barrel, but not really any more accurate.
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Old April 15, 2018, 07:01 PM   #34
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The only advantage would be speed but since it's 22 I don't know the formula per inch. Might only be 25-50 fps faster. When shooting things in a 22's range that's probably a fraction of a fraction of a fraction faster.

Get what feels comfortable to you. I have no problem with short or long barrels.
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Old April 15, 2018, 07:03 PM   #35
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Not really, as far as the barrel length.

Quote:
Question is...is there a real benefit of the 22" vs 19"? From what I've read, it'll have more speed out of the barrel, but not really any more accurate.
Other than the sight radius, there is no advantage. in fact, not even optimum by some data. ......
Given these two options, I'd go with the 19"

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Old April 16, 2018, 10:00 AM   #36
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The barrel length should not matter. Other than the shorter one might be slightly more easy to maneuver with. Although the three inches shouldn't make much difference in handling either.
I have 10/22 Stainless Takedown with the 18 1/2 inch barrel. Very convenient, and accurate rifle. With a Simmons 22 MAG 3-9 scope, using CCI standard velocity (the most accurate in my rifle), from a bench @ 50 yds. I can put ten rounds in a hole that can be covered with my thumb nail.
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Old April 16, 2018, 10:45 AM   #37
vaaccess
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pahoo View Post
Other than the sight radius, there is no advantage. in fact, not even optimum by some data. ......
Given these two options, I'd go with the 19"

Be Safe !!!
Appreciate the answers about barrel length. Did find more resources, too. Fascinating! It seems as though 16-18" is a good sweet spot for .22LR.
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Old April 16, 2018, 01:46 PM   #38
hdwhit
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I learned to shoot on a Marlin 60. I didn't care for the tubular magazine, but it was not enough of an issue for me to want to get rid of it.

My son bought a Marlin XT-22 bolt action, magazine fed rifle a year or so ago. It has been a very good rifle for him.

My other son has a Remington 597 semi-automatic, magazine fed rifle that has served him well for more than a dozen years.

The Ruger 10/22 has been a perennial favorite ever since it was released.

You could sell your Model 60 and use the proceeds to buy any of the rifles I mentioned, above and I'm sure you would have something that you would enjoy.
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Old April 16, 2018, 07:35 PM   #39
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Welp...I went back to the gun store again, looking at new and used options. Holding lots of guns, over and over, and found myself drawn to the following:

Used Ruger Target $400
New Marlin 795 $180
New Ruger 10/22 Carbine/Blue 18.5" $260
Used Ruger 10/22 w/extra magazines and Nikon scope $279
Used Sig Sauer 522 $350
Used Ruger Precision with really nice scope $350 (this is a bolt action, rest are semi)

The Ruger Target felt the best, hands down. And it's pretty. That said, I had originally told myself I wouldn't go crazy, but it's so easy to be tempted by so many options!

For what it's worth, if I sold the scope that I have I should get ~$50 on eBay and the Marlin 60 should yield me ~$75 at the store I bought it from originally.

As I said, all of these felt nice and each is unique for sure. I'm about to endeavor on reading up on these to see what others things about firing them, etc, etc, etc. Something I can't do whilst shopping in the store.
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Old April 16, 2018, 07:55 PM   #40
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My favorite version of the model 60 is the Marlin model 99M1, but I would love to have the clip-fed, model 99M2. These are look-alikes inspired by the M1 Carbine. For the type of gun, these things have excellent 4-pound triggers, much better than the Ruger 10-22, and they are more accurate than the typical ruger 10-22. I have shot my friends new model 60 with a last-shot-bolt-open feature and it had a very squishy trigger and I was kind of wondering if it was due to the last-shot upgrade. If Marlin was to offer the 795 in a decent Walnut stock, I would most likely buy one. Better yet, they should just re-issue the 99M2.
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Old April 17, 2018, 03:06 PM   #41
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Quote:
and the Marlin 60 should yield me ~$75 at the store I bought it from originally.
For 75 bucks, I'd sure give a thought to keeping the little Marlin, tube mag and all.
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Old April 17, 2018, 04:17 PM   #42
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Quote:
For 75 bucks, I'd sure give a thought to keeping the little Marlin, tube mag and all.
I second that.
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Old April 17, 2018, 05:13 PM   #43
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Is the polymer stock the only reason you don't like the Marlin? Dude, so long as it shoots well, you should keep it. A Marlin I have is a 2 inches at 50 yards rifle with even standard velocity target ammo. IMO, that's not good especially for a rifle with microgroove rifling that's advertised as increasing accuracy.

If 75 bucks is all you'll get for it, keep the Marlin and if you really must have a .22 with a wood stock, wait for Black Friday when basic 10/22's are $179.
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Old April 17, 2018, 05:27 PM   #44
vaaccess
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Originally Posted by TruthTellers View Post
Is the polymer stock the only reason you don't like the Marlin? Dude, so long as it shoots well, you should keep it. A Marlin I have is a 2 inches at 50 yards rifle with even standard velocity target ammo. IMO, that's not good especially for a rifle with microgroove rifling that's advertised as increasing accuracy.

If 75 bucks is all you'll get for it, keep the Marlin and if you really must have a .22 with a wood stock, wait for Black Friday when basic 10/22's are $179.
No, if you look at the first post, my change has to do with my desire to not have a tube magazine.
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Old April 17, 2018, 06:11 PM   #45
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I like the fact you keep going to the gun store to check 'em out. I'm thinking you buy the used 10/22 with the scope.
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Old April 17, 2018, 06:21 PM   #46
vaaccess
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Originally Posted by Rifletom View Post
I like the fact you keep going to the gun store to check 'em out. I'm thinking you buy the used 10/22 with the scope.
You are probably right!
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Old April 18, 2018, 05:53 PM   #47
vaaccess
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Welp, I went with the used one @$279. It's in minty condition. I ALMOST went with the target, almost, but this will do just fine.

Thanks for all the thoughts/help, it's appreciated.
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Old April 19, 2018, 11:40 AM   #48
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vaaccess, I'm sorry I was too late to join in. I would have also suggested the Marlin 795; It's the same gun as the 60, microgrooves and all. I have a 60, but, like you, prefer magazine loading to the tube. Mine was $120 on sale at Dicks a couple of years ago. Slap a sling and a 4X32 fixed scope on a 795 and it will shoot and balance better than any 10/22 without mods. Yes, I have several versions of the 10/22, but for plinking or killing packrats, the 795 always gets picked up first.

There are instructions for smoothing out the 795 trigger, and drop in replacements available; doing a trigger mod was my only change to the 795.
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Old April 19, 2018, 02:40 PM   #49
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Quote:
I have a 60, but, like you, prefer magazine loading to the tube. Mine was $120 on sale at Dicks a couple of years ago.
I assume you mean a "box" magazine as opposed to a tube magazine. I sure hope that no self-respecting Second Amendment proponent is ever shopping at Dicks anymore.
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Old April 19, 2018, 05:07 PM   #50
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Originally Posted by vaaccess View Post
No, if you look at the first post, my change has to do with my desire to not have a tube magazine.
Sorry, the language wasn't clear at the time. Okay, understandable, but I still think you should keep the Marlin. If it's detachable magazines you want, go with the 10/22 platform.
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