Marlin 922m: talk me into or out of it

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cat_IT_guy

cat_IT_guy

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I know this isnt a place where we are good at talking people OUT of buying guns, but....

A small local shop has as Marlin 922m for sale, with a small Simmons scope. Stock was in decent, but definitely used, condition. If I recall correctly, it was listed for $225.

It seems to me that they are pretty highly regarded, even being called "real" Marlins. I have no practical explanation for why I need a 22mag rifle, but thats not important lol. I already have a 22wmr revolver, so Im not unfamiliar with high priced rimfire ammo.

Its tempting me. I think that if I really hate it, probably I should be able to sell it for the same or even a bit more than the asking price (all the better if I can talk them down on it).

Anything to watch out for with these? Any current or past owners have any experiences to share, pro or con? Is there anything Im overlooking?
 
Ive shot the 922m some, a friend of mine had one as his farm/truck gun. Pretty nice guns, nothing special imo, but at 200ish id buy it.
 
You can refinish the wood. Marlins are good shooters, the auto loaders at one time had a tendency to crack their buffers (easy to replace). beyond that, they will last a lifetime. Sounds like a reasonable price.
 
That price is about half what they are usually selling for lately. They are cool guns, very similar to the Camp 9 and .45 carbines. The down side is that they aren't particularly accurate, and the triggers are pretty bad. Plan on replacing the buffer if you do buy it, the originals get brittle and fall apart and the bolt slamming into the receiver will do damage and/or cause cycling issues.
 
Now is probably the right time to buy as I am seeing .22 mag ammo again after a long drought.
 
Well I stopped back in today, and the rifle was still there (too bad, right?). Confirmed the price at $225. "Willing to move on it?" "Nope." Looked it over a good bit more. The stock has a few more scratches than I noticed in my quick look the other day. And its missing the "elevator" (whats it actually called? slides to raise or lower the rear sight) on the rear sight. Scope is a Simmons 3-9x32, so nothing nice or flashy, but functional. The action felt pretty nice and smooth.

Anyhow, I bought it, will post some pics & maybe short range report when I get around to picking it up. Now I wait, like a kid looking forward to Christmas... Also will be hunting for a spare buffer & that sight piece. I'll also likely end up refinishing the stock.
 
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Glad to hear you bought it! Im not familiar with that marlin. Waiting for tange report!
You bought it, but didn't bring it home? Some kind of waiting period thing? If so, sure am glad I live in the south!
 
Yes to waiting period. Gotta love IL. 24hrs to "cool off" from time of purchase to pick up. It kind of, sort of could be reasonable..... If I didn't already have plenty of others to choose from if I were inclined to do something malicious.
 
Brought it home tonight and got her cleaned up. What a neat little action, bears a definite resemblance to my other marlin semi, a 60, but scaled up a bit. Stocked up on some ammo, have read that these things tend to run best with 40 grain loads. Got some CCI gamepoints and armscor jhps. Now I wait eagerly to get to the range.... likely not until the weekend, but just might be able to sneak out for a bit over the lunch break sooner...

922m_zps9o9vxhae.jpg
 
Ebay had a listing for buffers as well....i tend to hit ebay or GB anytime i need parts that arnt normally stocked by GPC or other online parts seller, or the factory for that mater.
 
Good get. I'd like to pick up an inexpensive .22 mag to keep in the trunk. That looks like just the ticket!
 
I got her to the range today. It was busy so I didn't bother with any formal testing (accuracy or velocity). Function was flawless. I think I shot 40 rounds of various ammo, from Hornady 30gr VMAX to 40gr CCI game points. This came as a pleasant surprise as I'd read cautions about light bullets and about CCI ammo. I also brought my Henry 22 lever gun. It wins in the looks department but it pointed out something I didn't notice before. Unlike many rim fires, the Marlin has the size, heft, and feel of a "real" rifle. To me, that's a good thing. The trigger is functional but is a long way from some of the tuned / custom triggers I've spoiled myself with (Timney, accu triggers, Kidd, etc). I think that's ok, it's not intended to be a bench rest gun. If I had a farm or ranch, I can't think of many better options for dispatching small to medium size pests. For now, it will remain a range toy, but it'll be a while before I even think about resale. Besides, it's minute of two liter accurate all day long. :D
 
22WMR is a fun rifle round. Easy to shoot and surprisingly hard hitting. Nice gun :)

I was going to join the buy-it chorus, but you already did :D
 
Sounds like your buffer is good to go. If not you will know when you take it apart because it will crumble. I have read that cleaning solvents break down the plastic so it may be a good idea not to saturate it with bore cleaner. I can't say for sure but Blackjack may have buffers. Thats where I got a new buffer for my Camp Carbine and its about 10 times better than the factory buffer and should last a lifetime.
 
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