My First Bolt-Action .22 Marlin 781 or Remington 513T

[deleteall]

I'm looking to finally get a bolt-action .22. This will be for informal target shooting and, very likely, the gun my daughter will use to learn to shoot in a couple years.

It's down to two I've found locally: a Marlin 781 for $150 and a Remington 513T for $350. I know the Remington is a better gun and very well regarded, but is the difference worth the extra $200? Basically, what will the Remington allow me to do that the Marlin won't or will make more difficult? If someone is learning to shoot, will the Remington be a better choice? Thanks.

 

[A_Matthew]

According to the Remington website, the 513T was manufactured from 1940-1969. So you would be buying a used gun? http://www.remington.com/products/archived/production-dates/rimfire-dates.aspx
Would you get to fire the gun first? Because of the fact that it would be over 40 years old, the money you're paying is probably for the antiquness. If you like this, that's great.
I am trying to pull up the Marlin website, but it must be down for maintenance or something. So until that works, I don't know too much about the Marlin 781. If the 781 is current production, then I would get the Marlin. If it isn't, I would want to shoot it first. Of course, there's not a lot that can go wrong on a bolt action.
My vote goes for the Marlin. (Part of the fact is I own a Marlin, so that might be why I would choose that one. I personally think that there isn't enough of a difference to justify a $200 increase IMHO.)
Matthew

 

[deleteall]

Yep, they're both used. It's rare that I buy a "new" gun.

 

[oerllikon]

I would personally go for the marlin. The remington may have been neglected previously, etc. I just got a new remington 925, and couldnt be happier with the build quality for what i paid for it. Im a huge fan of marlin firearms in general

 

[Davek1977]

I own a Marlin 881 that was given to me new on Christmas almost exatly 21 years ago. I believe this is simply a "newer" 781. My rifle has always been reliable, and has killed literally hundreds if not thousands of praire dogs and hundreds of cottontails. That rifle has been part of many great memories for me, and although I rarely shoot it these days, I'll NEVER get rid of it. Now, its serving my nephews quite well, and they've added considerably to the number of varmits and pop cans that its killed! Thousands of rounds, and still deadly accurate.....I really don't think you'd be coming up short in any way with a marlin bolt gun

 

[Bill B.]

The Remington 513 should come with factory peeps that are worth $100.00 by their self. Locally the 513's are around $500.00 so unless you are getting one trashed $350.00 is a good deal. Condition is everything on a used gun purchase but if both are in nice shape it would be the Remington 513 for me as I have seen first hand what they are capable of which is impressive to say the least.

 

[NCsmitty]

If you buy an older, basically obsolete firearm, you will have to deal with a possible lack of parts, should a parts failure occur.
You should be able to buy a new or near new current production 22 bolt action for under $200. You can then buy a bunch of different ammo to find out what brand the rifle likes.
Go to www.gunbroker.com and look at different models and compare prices.

I have a Rem 541-T that is very accurate, but my little Marlin single shot can just about match the Rem.


NCsmitty

 

[Offfhand]

The 513 was always a good rifle and current collector demand accounts for the increasing price. If the one you saw is clean and un-modified it is well worth $350. and you can be pretty sure it will become increasingly valuable. Consider it a good investment you can play with as its value increases. But the Marlin?

 

[natman]

It all depends on what your comfortable with. The Marlin is a good 22 for the money. The Remington is a good 22. Whether it's $200 worth better depends on how well you can evaluate the condition of a 40 year old rifle, what your budget is and whether you care about future collector value. I know I'd get the Remington without hesitation.

 

[BrocLuno]

You will get your money back on the 513T. I own one and it's a tack driver. Shot match grade ammo, and it's a one hole rifle. BUT, of course it depends on condition. It could have had a zillion rounds through it? If it's all there and in good shape, it's a very good deal. Does it have the original leather "tight sling"? If so, that's another reason to get one - it can teach proper sling use

However, it's not really a field gun or a plinker as in a hike about. It will certainly do that, but is a bit heavy for an all day carry (for a 22). Weight an fell are equal to the center fire rifle. If that's the goal, to move her up to center fire, it's a great teaching aid - and that is what it did from 1940 to 1970 or so for many clubs, the US Army and others. It was superseded by the 40 series, which are also excellent rifles

The Marlin 781 is your every day 22 tube fed bolt action. Great little gun (if it's all there and in good working order?) - but - it ain't going to get any more valuable than it is today There are a zillion of them out there and they do make good field guns. The price is OK for a nice one, but they may be had cheaper.

Go look on Auction Arms and Gun Broker to see what other examples are selling for?