Marlin 60 vs. 925

[mason_winston]

ok, so I've decided that I'd like a .22lr rifle, and that I want that rifle to be a marlin.

so, the main diff. between the model 60 and model 925 is the ammo feeding system. the 60 is tube-fed, while the 925 is mag-fed. I'm most concerned with reliability.

-how often, if at all, does the tubular feeding system break?
-can I take steps aimed at preventing tubular issues?

what else should I know about the differences between these rifles before I buy?

*I am not buying a ruger 10/22*

 

[Bill B]

My model 60 is almost 20 years old and it has been great.I highly recomend them.Clips can be broken or misplaced.Just my opinion.But I will have my 60 forever.Good shooting

 

[littlelefty]

Two different action types, so which to you prefer? IMO both are very well built and either will serve you well. There are probably more model 60s and owners around than 925 types. I got the 925 because I like removable magazines. Others will counter that the mag sticking out is ugly and, uncomfortable if you tote it with a sling. I also bought it as a rimfire compliment to my bolt .308 so I can keep muscle memory/manual of arms the same in both .22 and .308.

Both are great fun to shoot.

 

[SGW42]

I'm in love with my 795 (Model 60 action, but clip mag fed).

First time out, I put about 200 rounds though it. From first round to last, not one FTF, not one FTE.

It also takes the 7 round mags made for the 70PSS Papoose if you don't want the mag sticking that far out.

Never had a problem with the tube-fed mag on my 39A either, but that's a different animal.

 

[_N4Z_]

I have a 925, and have a couple friends that each have a 60.

I envy them the ease at which they can reload with those tubes.

But I also prefer the accuracy I can achieve with the 925 in comparison to the 60's.
With WolfMT the 925 can really shoot impressive groups considering it's modest price tag. Not that the 60 is a slouch by any means.

There is a Marlin bolt that looks just like the 925, but has a tube magazine. I cannot remember the model number.

 

[Runningman]

so, the main diff. between the model 60 and model 925 is the ammo feeding system. the 60 is tube-fed, while the 925 is mag-fed. I'm most concerned with reliability.

Nope, The main difference is the 925 is a bolt action. The 60 is a semi auto.

 

[Limeyfellow]

I have the older Marlin 25 from the 70s and that thing still shoots great. The only repair I ever had to do is replace the extractor which broke on one side. It is a bit of a bear to force it off and get the new one on and then when doing so you have to be careful not to get the firing pin and spring that holds it back from the primer loose as it is a pain to get all back together with the Marlin 25. It is a nice little .22 rifle and can shoot your .22 short, .22 long and .22lr rounds. The magazine release can be a little tough to press in to eject it, but I tend to prefer it as it keeps you away from the muzzle.

My Marlin 60 is one of the cheap Glenfield versions from the 80s. I had to replace the mechanism in it though. The old one was a little rough and had quite a heavy trigger pull. The replacement one is as smooth as butter though and most important hasn't the wear and wasn't falling to pieces. It also has the longer tube on it. Now my brother in law used to have one, but it had an accidental discharge one time while he was reloading it, since the tube where you pull it out is extremely close to the muzzle. That was a mechanical fault with the rifle. Mine hasn't had this problem and worked wonders since I fixed it up. It is also really easy to add a scope too. I am guessing the shorter tubes on the Marlin 60 today prevent that problem.

You can always get a Marlin 975 or older 75 version of course. That gives you a Marlin 60 action crossed with the magazine. They are really light and handy. Not as accurate in my opinion as the Marlin 25 bolt action, but the ones I fired I really liked, but yet to get one of my own yet.

 

[SGW42]

There is a Marlin bolt that looks just like the 925, but has a tube magazine. I cannot remember the model number.

981T

That one is on my list.

 

[joshk-k]

I have a 925 in .22 Mag and love it. I think ammo capacity is a big difference.

Josh

 

[nekwah]

I would get the model 60 just for the semi-auto. Not that bolt actions have a problem but plinking with a semi-auto .22lr is about as fun as it gets.