Marlin Model 60 vs Ruger 10/22 vs....?

[trickg]

it's the other way around, looks like a non-shooter took that picture for the ad. got it at cabelas.

Might be something to look into - I've got an old Winchester Model 1890 (made in 1913 - still functions beautifully, even though it's pretty rough around the edges - not exactly collectible unless I have it restored.) and it would work just as well for that.

So, are there any good sources for used Model 60s or 10/22s in or around Glen Burnie?

 

[trickg]

I'm kind of surprised that this thread didn't get more response - I know there are some 10/22 lovers on the forum.

 

[Ethan83]

Go with the Marlin if you plan on leaving it as-is. Go with the Ruger if you want to play Barbies with it. I have both a Marlin 795 (almost identical to 60 except the mag) and a 10/22, and they're both great. Only thing I've done (and probably will do) with the Marlin was add some Tech-Sights; I can't recommend them enough.

 

[alucard0822]

Out of the box the 60 is superior, more accurate, better trigger, more reliable, and an easier to work tube mag, also it can handle 22 shorts, colibris and CB caps(you still have to rack the bolt manually, but they do feed from the mag).

The 10/22 only gets to be a better rifle with modification, and with that it has more parts available than most other firearms, and performing mods are about as easy as it gets. You can make a heavy barreled target rifle, light weight hunter, tactical plinker, or most anything else you could want with box mags from a flush fitting 10rd to huge 100rd drums.

So if you want a 22 with no fuss, get a 60, if you want a 22cal set of legos to build the perfect rifle get a 10/22. If your budget is flexible, then you may want to consider a Savage bolt action, or better yet, a CZ452/453(the best affordable 22 IMO, it's no Anchutz, but under $500 it's the best there is), they are both well worth the premium if you don't mind a manual action. The Henry lever actions are also simple and inexpensive, relatively accurate, and a ton of fun.

 

[trickg]

^^ Good post.

I think that right now I'm looking for something nice "out of the box" - I highlight that because if I can find an older one with the larger magazine capacity and longer barrel, that's what I'm going to get, assuming I don't stumble into a honey of a deal on a 10/22.

I like the idea of doing self-mods to the 10/22, but leaving things as-is (see: not spending money on parts and accessories) is the kind of thing that will keep the missus happy.

 

[Fester60]

I just ordered 2 of those speed loader things for a Marlin tube loader that I have. I bet you can go through more ammo with a model 60 and that than with a 10/22 and some extra mags. Another rimfire rifle to consider is the Marlin bolt action tube fed. I bought one a little while ago, model 981T, but I think they just redisigned them and they are called x22 or something. Very accurate with a scope and it's fun to work the bolt on a .22 for some reason. I guess it just reminds me I'm shooting because the recoil sure doesn't.

 

[GNLaFrance]

The tube magazine speed loader for the Marlin looks pretty foolproof, unlike the Butler Creek Magazine Loader I bought from MidwayUSA for the 10/22 Steel Lips magazines. That damn thing won't even let the rounds get into position to drop into the magazine. I sent it back with an explanation of how it's not working and a request to make sure the replacement has been tested and works. They said they'd take care of it.

 

[MDMOUNTAINEER]

I'm a huge fan of Marlins "Micro-Groove" rifling for rimfires. Way more accurate IMHO.

The 60 is a reliable gun, very accurate, replacement parts are available and will be for some time.

The only advantage a 10-22 (as has been stated) is the plethora of aftermarket "upgrades" which the 60 really doesn't need.

The only drawbacks (relatively) are the ergo's of the 60. The are somewhat smallish. I'm a big dude and I still think it's comfortable to shoot. But this is purely subjective.

 

[Wiley-X]

I have a Model 60 that I bought aeons ago, when Service Merchandise was getting out of the gun business. It was on super-duper, get it out of the store clearance. $60, if memory serves.

It's a fun rifle to shoot. Not customizable as the Ruger but that's okay.

I don't mind the slowness of reloading. I'm not in a firefight with Indians attempting to burn my homestead. Slow reloads also make the time pass nicer. Shoot. Load. Ponder. Shoot. Etc..

I too have one of those Speed Loader do-hickeys for it. Works well.

The gadget guy inside of me would like to get a Ruger and trick it out. Heck, why start with a Ruger at all. Get an aftermarket action, add a stock, barrel, and trigger group and you have a 10/22 that never saw the Ruger factory.

 

[Lord Baltimore]

I like my Marlin 60, a mount for a scope, tight groups, nice fit and finish, but I do get some jamming...and I think it is the nature if the beast: shooting .22 with a semi.

I am experimenting with different brands:

Remington Thunderbolts were the worst, many fte's and stovepipes, and it left behind a sticky waxy residue.

CCI was better but still a few ftfeeds.

Federal bulk hps, are what I am using now. I am getting 1 out of 10 ftfeeds, but they are easy to clear, just move the bolt forward.

I think I need to find a round that has a smooth tapered bullet, not a HP. I think the Hps are getting caught on a ramp and causing the loading problems.

 

[GunnerGunz]

I had the ruger a while back and didn't like the box mag at all. I have a 795 now and shoots great. I am looking for a Marlin 25MN 22 WMR now, very nice wood stock on them babies.

 

[Ethan83]

I'm a huge fan of Marlins "Micro-Groove" rifling for rimfires. Way more accurate IMHO.

The 60 is a reliable gun, very accurate, replacement parts are available and will be for some time.

Agreed, my 795 seems more accurate than my 10/22.

 

[trickg]

Agreed, my 795 seems more accurate than my 10/22.

That seems to be the general consensus unless the stock barrel has been replaced. I've heard that the 10/22 can be a real tack driver with the right stock and barrel.

 

[davsco]

not familiar with the marlin, but the 10-22 is the .22 equivalent of the ar-15. billions of them out there, they're the industry standard, tons of aftermarket parts. start super cheap with basic 10-22 and the upgrades are unlimited. i got a larger magazine and swapped out trigger, stock and barrel and put a decent scope on mine and it is a ton of fun trying to keep soda cans moving or nailing a rack of clay pigeons.

 

[guthook]

What do you plan on doing with it?

Going into the woods: Model 60

Punching one ragged hole into paper: modified 10/22 (barrel and stock)

Remember, the 10/22 also comes in a heavy-barrelled target model from the factory. So, that would classify as "from the box" also.

Either way, if you want accuracy, don't skimp on the ammo.

 

[trickg]

not familiar with the marlin, but the 10-22 is the .22 equivalent of the ar-15. billions of them out there, they're the industry standard, tons of aftermarket parts. start super cheap with basic 10-22 and the upgrades are unlimited. i got a larger magazine and swapped out trigger, stock and barrel and put a decent scope on mine and it is a ton of fun trying to keep soda cans moving or nailing a rack of clay pigeons.

I would tend to think that the Model 60 is the leading industry standard with the 10/22 coming in a close second.

According to Wikipedia -

Marlin Model 60: Over 11 million made between 1960 and the present
Ruger 10/22: Over 5 million made between 1964 and the present

The Model 60 is touted as America's most popular .22 rifle - ultimately I think it boils down to preference. I was all about getting a 10/22 until I started reading and came across the Model 60, which I was really only aware of in kind of an oblique way. The more I read, the more I decided that I had to consider it alongside the 10/22.

As for which model, if I had to buy one new, for the Model 60 I'm digging the one with stainless receiver and barrel with the walnut laminate stock. For the 10/22 I'm digging the sporter with the walnut checkered stock - I realize that's a good $100 more than the Model 60, I'm digging, but I like it nonetheless.

 

[davsco]

WOW on the industry stats! i'd guess though that in the past 5-10 year the 10-22 has blown all the others away but that's just my uneducated guess. whenever i see aftermarket parts it's just for the 10-22 but i could just be seeing what i am looking for...

 

[trickg]

WOW on the industry stats! i'd guess though that in the past 5-10 year the 10-22 has blown all the others away but that's just my uneducated guess. whenever i see aftermarket parts it's just for the 10-22 but i could just be seeing what i am looking for...

But keep in mind that the numbers came from Wikipedia - not always the best source of information.

I think too that the Marlin's popularity probably came right after it's introduction. I know that the Ruger 10/22 has been around since 1964, but it seems to me that it didn't get really popular until the mid 80s, although I don't know why that would be. (That's just my perception on the Ruger based on when I became aware of it - a friend of mine had (and still has) one)

Then there are the names to consider. The Marlin name is synonymous for uncompromised quality and workmanship. It has always seemed to me that the Ruger name has stood for economical quality - not necessarily fine quality. Some may disagree with that assessment, and I think that anyone who has ever owned or fired any Ruger would probably disagree (I know I would) but that's just what it seems to me.

Needless to say that a lot of sales on the Model 60 probably were probably due to the fact that it has "Marlin" stamped on the barrel as anything else.

 

[WildWiz]

It seems the general consensus is : If you like to rebuild & tinker go with the 10-22 but if you want an out of the box good shooting rifle go Marlyn. My Marlyn out shoots my friends 10-22 & it was cheaper

 

[Minuteman]

Well, for what it's worth, you picked two old (1960 & 1964) rifles to compare against one another. Both have more modern versions and I generally would lean toward owning two Marlin 795's over the Ruger SR-22, considering you can buy 2 maybe 3 795's over the RR-22.

Both are fine, and inexpensive rifles, even though Marlin says the model 60 is the more popular rifle, I have seen many more 10/22's, and I know there are more accessories and larger mags for the 10/22.

Maybe the most telling 'evidence' is that when you wiki the Marlin 795 there are references to the 10/22, but wiki 10/22 and there is no mention of the 795. For what that's worth.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_10/22