Marlin 39A or Ruger 10/22 International?

Marlin 39A or Ruger 10/22 International for 12 yr old

  • Marlin 39A

    Votes: 41 77.4%
  • Ruger 10/22 International

    Votes: 12 22.6%

  • Total voters
    53
  • Poll closed .
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IMO a lever action repeater would be a better choice than a SA for young folks. It serves to teach them proper shooting technique.

I don't know why this would be, exactly. I mean, other than being able to more easily monitor chambered rounds while instructing, I don't know that the lever has any particular advantage over the semi-automatic in terms of shooting technique.

That's not denigrating the lever action, either. As I mentioned earlier, I have both of the rifles being talked about here, and I like both a great deal. The Marlin has actually eclipsed the 10/22 in terms of what I grab first to shoot, so it's not like I am just a Ruger fanboy (though, outside of this discussion, I kind of am). I just don't see why the 10/22 would be any worse at teaching proper technique is all.

Thinking about this, outside of just fun, I can tell you exactly the difference between these two rifles for me. The 39 gets broken out when I want to go hunting or am shooting more challenging targets, the 10/22 gets broken out when I want to plink or shoot tiny groups. It's particularly fun when I want to whack spinners as fast as I can, which is pretty darn fast! Incidentally, I have a scope on my Ruger, which obviously allows me to more precisely aim, hence the smaller groups.

EDIT TO ADD: Also, just to throw it out there, have you ever ran the lever on a Henry Golden Boy? I love my Marlin and won't sell it for love or money, but those Golden Boys are smooth, man. I would also add that if you ever happen to run across one of the admittedly ghastly looking Ruger lever actions, they have a very nice and short throw. I am convinced if they weren't so ugly they would be perennial best-sellers. I do not now, nor have I ever, particularly cared for the Winchester lever actions in .22 or anything else. I know they are iconic and all, and I have a pre-64 94 in .30-30 that is pretty nice, but I think the Marlins have always been a better rifle.
 
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I don't know why this would be, exactly. I mean, other than being able to more easily monitor chambered rounds while instructing, I don't know that the lever has any particular advantage over the semi-automatic in terms of shooting technique.
I feel a manually operated repeater (or a single shot) promotes good marksmanship and teaches folks to take their time. Not to say that a SA couldn't be used (I learned on one), or that either is inferior (I really like both, though I don't own a 39A), just that a repeater would be my choice.

:)
 
I've got both, and I'm a big fan of the 10/22, especially the DSP models (I've got four of them) and I'd really like to have an international, BUT the Marlin 39A is a classic. No, I don't use it much anymore. Yes, it's heavy, and a PITA to load, and especially to unload, but there isn't a better built 22 rifle, IMHO. Give him the international next year, or when he graduates from HS, or when he gets married or something.
 
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