MatthewVanitas
Member
For a while now, I've known that the Marlin Model 60 is a rifle I really wanted to try out. They go for $99 at Academy, and run around $69 for good ones at Southside Pawn.
Then I ran across one for $50 (see my recent post in my Austin Pawnshop thread), so now have what appears to be a mid-1980s Marlin .22
Was very excited about this rifle. It was filthy, but easily cleaned. To deal with the odor, it's currently closed in an empty closet with burning incense sticks (see my Austin Pawnshop post for details on that). The stock was a little clunkier than the current models, but not unbearable. This model was also before Marlin shortened the 60, so it's a full 20" (vice 18"), and holds 17 in the tube vice 14.
Went out to Austin Rifle Club and sighted it in on the Silhouette range. Findings:
ERGOS: pretty dang good, though I'd prefer either the pre-80s or current stocks, which are svelter. Crossbolt safety is well-placed.
MAGAZINE: this is what turns a lot of folks off the 60. I, however, am now completely sold on the idea! Easier to load than box mags, holds 17 rounds OEM, doesn't get in the way of prone position, etc. Big +.
SIGHTS: basic post and notch, but good examples of the type. Pretty fine, but my young eyes pick them up just great. NOTE: the current stainless/synthetic Marlin 60 has odd sights that I don't care for: akward flip-down rear, scrawny front post.
ACCURACY: I'm no competition shooter, but I found the 60 impressively accurate when I did my part.
TRIGGER: The trigger did not look inspiring during disassembly: whole trigger assembly is plastic. Dry-firing in the house, it felt mediocre. But out on the range, it didn't trouble me at all. I believe (please correct if wrong) that older and current Marlins have metal trigger assemblies.
SUMMARY: I would highly recommend the Marlin 60 to anyone looking for a fun plinker. The price, both used and new, is an utter steal for an American-made product. Not as many upgrades available as 10/22, but the 60 is great for those who like stock guns.
I now understand how Marlin managed to sell 7million of these things over the last half-century...
-MV
Then I ran across one for $50 (see my recent post in my Austin Pawnshop thread), so now have what appears to be a mid-1980s Marlin .22
Was very excited about this rifle. It was filthy, but easily cleaned. To deal with the odor, it's currently closed in an empty closet with burning incense sticks (see my Austin Pawnshop post for details on that). The stock was a little clunkier than the current models, but not unbearable. This model was also before Marlin shortened the 60, so it's a full 20" (vice 18"), and holds 17 in the tube vice 14.
Went out to Austin Rifle Club and sighted it in on the Silhouette range. Findings:
ERGOS: pretty dang good, though I'd prefer either the pre-80s or current stocks, which are svelter. Crossbolt safety is well-placed.
MAGAZINE: this is what turns a lot of folks off the 60. I, however, am now completely sold on the idea! Easier to load than box mags, holds 17 rounds OEM, doesn't get in the way of prone position, etc. Big +.
SIGHTS: basic post and notch, but good examples of the type. Pretty fine, but my young eyes pick them up just great. NOTE: the current stainless/synthetic Marlin 60 has odd sights that I don't care for: akward flip-down rear, scrawny front post.
ACCURACY: I'm no competition shooter, but I found the 60 impressively accurate when I did my part.
TRIGGER: The trigger did not look inspiring during disassembly: whole trigger assembly is plastic. Dry-firing in the house, it felt mediocre. But out on the range, it didn't trouble me at all. I believe (please correct if wrong) that older and current Marlins have metal trigger assemblies.
SUMMARY: I would highly recommend the Marlin 60 to anyone looking for a fun plinker. The price, both used and new, is an utter steal for an American-made product. Not as many upgrades available as 10/22, but the 60 is great for those who like stock guns.
I now understand how Marlin managed to sell 7million of these things over the last half-century...
-MV
