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Opinions on some .22s on the used rack

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milemaker13

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Stopped at my LGS to see what they had in .22 (been window shopping a new plinker). They actually had several to consider but I wanted to do a little research first... and this is always my first stop.
Nobel 235F pump action- $100.
Rem sportmaster 512 bolt action- $125
Marlin 60 semi auto-$100
Win 290 semi auto-$225
Jc higgans 36 semi auto-$375 (has box, like new condition)
Mossberg 42B bolt action- $175

Any opinions on these? I dont have a pump .22 or a bolt... kinda thinking about offering $200 for the nobel & rem...
 
Also, IMO the Winchester 290 is over priced just because it's a "Winchester". I think the Marlin 60 is actually a much better rifle... I've worked on all of the rifles listed except for the Noble pump, it looks pretty cheaply made and probably hard to get parts for.. The rest of the lot I personally don't care much for..
 
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After some online reading i tend to agree. Passing on the nobel and 290. I'm interested in the rem 512 and moss 42b. Both bolt action. Rem is tube mag while the moss has a box.... not a concern of mine either way really, unless there are other considerations like accuracy (some have suggested the tube may decrease accuracy but noone has actually noticed any differance, lol).

I'm tryingto remember what sights each had... i dont think the 512 had scope grooves... not sure about the 42b.. guess ill have to go back.

What should i look for in determining condition? I can bring a bore light, place it in the breech and look down the barrel.... hate to do it from that end... in public hahaha. How easy do the bolts slip out of these two guns? That would be a much better option.

If going bolt action i would like an accurate rifle. Not a competition gun, but nice and accurate for a plinking rifle. 512 or 42b in that regard?
 
^^^
If I remember correctly the later 512's were grooved the early ones were not.
On the 512 just open the bolt and then pull the trigger and the bolt will come out the rest of the way..
I would expect the average Rem 512 to out shoot the 42b. I own and have shot many of Remington's in this series and they have all shot well, some surprisingly well..
I wouldn't be too concerned about the tube mag affecting accuracy much..
 
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Drill and tap the earlier 512 reciever for a scope? Shouldn't be an issue right? Is this something i could do myself or is that a gunsmith only job?
 
I agree that the 512 is the best choice and best value. Mossberg a good second choice. Older Marlin 60's may have a worn feed throat that can lead to feeding problems. Fixable but not cheap.
The Win 290 was a pos from day one, bad about doubling when worn.
No such thing as spare parts for the Nobel.
Not sure about the Higgins, probably made by Savage. Another one that works fine till it gets worn.
Just my opinion based on 40 years in the gunsmith business.
 
Drill and tap the earlier 512 reciever for a scope? Shouldn't be an issue right? Is this something i could do myself or is that a gunsmith only job?
Click to expand...

There shouldn't be any issues drilling and tapping the receiver.. As far as you doing it yourself is concerned, this is a job most guys should leave to a gunsmith. I've seen way too many otherwise nice rifles screwed up by guys trying to drill and tap their own rifles..
 
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Think the JC Higgins was made by High Standard. The one I had was a semi auto and it was by High Standard. Was a darn nice rifle and very accurate. Just wanted a CZ 452 more.
 
I'm asking more along the lines of "possible in a home shop".
Also this would be one i could play with
Click to expand...

I wouldn't.... When I learned how to do this it was on a mill... There are some drill and tap jigs out there to use with a drill press but most of them cost more then your rifle. If you don't get all of the holes straight and aligned with the receiver you won't be able to sight in your scope. Paying your smith to do it is not only the safest option it's also the cheapest... The other option is to have your gunsmith mill the dovetails in the receiver so it looks like the later models...
 
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They're closed tomorrow but i think ill stop back in Monday and take a closer look at the 512. I had the kid with me today so that makes it tough to reallly examine closely.
 
My only concern with the 512 is mounting a scope. I dont remember it having a grooved receiver or drilled/tapped.

What would you expect to pay a gunsmith to drill and tap for scope mounting?
 
With all due respect you are trying to buy a hassle. For a first .22 buy something scope ready. In the long run the cost modifying for a scope won't be far off a scope ready gun.
 
I’d grab that Mossberg in a heartbeat and the Remington as well. If you don’t start chasing down more of both I’d be shocked; good shooters the lot of ‘em.
 
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