Ruger Challenger or Marlin 70PSS? Anyone own these and what do you think?

[KodeFore]

I am interested in a backpackable 22lr and have narrowed it down to either a Ruger Challenger or Marlin 70PSS. I am just after a fun plinker first and foremost and something that could double as an emergency arm 2ndly.

Anyone here with experience on either of these and if so what do you think?

 

[Speedo66]

Emergency arm, rifle v. pistol, rifle would be my first choice.

Since the Marlin only weighs 3.25 lbs. it's not like carrying it would be difficult.

It's also known as a reliable, accurate weapon, the one I have would seem to reinforce that.

A check at the Ruger site shows the Challenger weighs and costs more than the Marlin.

 

[Carl Levitian]

I had a Marlin Papoose for a year and a half.

After two trips back to Marlin, they managed to get it from a totaly unreliable POS to a semi-reliable gun that woulod only jam once a magazine.

It had a habit of not ejecting the empty shell, and jamming it against the top of the receiver with the incomming round wedged halfway into the chamber. It took a screwdriver or needle nose pliers to clear it. PITA.

I took it back to the gunshop with the paperwork from Marlin, and they took the gun back.

Now I'm not anit-Marlin, I have two model 39's that have been the best guns I've had. But the model 60 based papoose is a mediocre gun at best, and very unreliable at worst. Over at the rimfire central site on the Marlin forum, they talk alot about fixes for the problems of the model 60 and related actions.

Want small and light? Get a CZ scout.

 

[Companion Cube]

buy the charger!

I believe the Ruger you are referring to is called the Charger. I just picked one up about a week ago. I admit I haven't shot it yet, but it certainly looks and feels great. I am very pleased with the fit and finish. I love the stock. I like the fact that it bridges the gap between rifles and pistols in an almost-SBR(not to mention that the bipod is probably close to meeting the definition of a forward grip on a pistol, which would mean this is an AOW). Pretty risque stuff for Ruger, imo.

I have read on various forums that people aren't seeing a big decrease in accuracy or velocity from the 10" barrel as opposed to a 16" barrel.

I cannot comment on the Marlin 70, as I have no experience with it. I do have a stainless Marlin 60 that I enjoy.

edit: I am definitely new to bipods on handguns. I'm glad to hear the ATF doesn't care. Even without the bipod though, the palm swell area is down and forward for gripping I'm not accustomed to the ATF using reason in their decision making, so I see things like this as a pleasant surprise. It feels(to me) like the gun was designed based on what the customer wants, rather than giving us the leftovers after the ATF neuters all the fun stuff.

 

[JustsayMo]

I have not experience with the Ruger but the Marlin Papoose exceeded my expectations. Very light, reliable and accurate. The sights (plastic front) leave something to be desired but they work. It out-shoots any 10-22 I've ever owned. The only other knock is that as a survival rifle I believe it should be able to fire without the magazine. On the newer version a little tab in the magazine well must be depressed in order for it to fire.

If you are looking for a light weight compact carbine I'd recommend the Marlin Papoose. More accurate and easier to shoot well than a pistol and nearly as compact.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

The charger is a handgun, which makes it all but worthless for precision. Not a hard question. So the Marlin. But I would go with none of the above. I would get a turnbolt rifle in .22 with a 16" bbl, then find or make a lightweight folding stock for it.

In fact, does anyone know of a turnbolt .22 which is sold with a folding stock, OR an aftermarket folding stock which is made for a turnbolt?

 

[Dookie]

The charger is a handgun, which makes it all but worthless for precision.

Have you used one?
I had the charger, and this statement is totally incorrect, it was very accurate, I used a red dot and could keep all ten rounds in an inch 35 yards, if I took my time I got quite a few 1/2 groups at 50, very reliable after thousands of rounds, not one problem. No upgrades.
Oh, and they use GM barrels.

I have no experience with the Marlin.

you also might think about the Single Six hunter or another good quality revolver.

 

[grimjaw]

I had a stainless/synthetic Marlin Papoose. I got it used, but it was reliable from day one. I used it with a red dot and got very tolerable groups at to about 25 yards. I sold it because I had a friend whose sons were interested in it, and I already had enough .22s. Otherwise I might still have it.

jm

 

[Mountie855]

I've had a Papoose for several years, and find it reliable and quite accurate.

Just bought another for the wife!

Great for the boat, canoe, etc. and camping.

 

[HB]

Chargers are really fun but are only range toys and maybe a squirrel gun. I just bought one and I am impressed. Accurate, and awesome looks/ fit-finish. But they are heavy (3lbs). I would just a Model 60 if you want a survival gun, but a Charger for a plinker, you'll like it. Two different guns for two uses if you ask me. Or get both

HB

 

[Gator]

I have a Papoose and like it. The Charger looks neat, but a full stocked rifle would be much easier to shoot accurately. I'm sure the Charger is accurate, but to take advantage of it potential you would have to use the bipod, and that limits your shooting positions.

(not to mention that the bipod is probably close to meeting the definition of a forward grip on a pistol, which would mean this is an AOW)

Ah, no. Its a bipod, not a handgrip. Bipods have been used on handguns (XP-100s, T/Cs, etc.) for a long time without the ATF having any problem at all with them.

 

[mgregg85]

I'd go with the ruger, the 10/22 action is as proven as can be.

 

[Gator]

Yep, the 10/22 is a great action, and it has almost been in production for as long as the Marlin's.

Another advantage the Papoose has over the Challenger is sights! The Challenger has none, and I wouldn't want the added weight of a scope or red dot for a back country emergency weapon.

 

[dmazur]

I wouldn't go with either.

Check out the Browning SA-22. This take-down rifle has an all-steel action, it's extremely reliable, and it only weighs around 5 lbs.

Kind of pricey, but the Japanese reproduction of Browning's design is top quality.

Get it now and keep it forever.

 

[KodeFore]

CA made the decision for me

I called my local shop to get a price for the Charger and it turns out here is CA a Ruger charger is considered a assault weapon because the mag sits in front of the trigger which is a no-no on handguns here

I have a handmedown Marlin 60 and an 1894 so it looks like I'll be getting another Marlin

 

[KodeFore]

editing double post

 

[Gator]

The good people in the California state government are just looking out for your safety, .

California used to be such a great state.....

 

[mp510]

The Marlin Papoose is a great little rifle. I personally like the wood/blue model more than the new stainless version. My 70P is very reliable, and more than accurate enough.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Dookie, I misspoke a little bit, you are correct:

"The charger is a handgun, which makes it all but worthless for precision."
Have you used one?
I had the charger, and this statement is totally incorrect, it was very accurate, I used a red dot and could keep all ten rounds in an inch 35 yards, if I took my time I got quite a few 1/2 groups at 50,

I did not mean that the Charger couldn't be precise/accurate. What I mean is, thinking of a packpacking situation, I think of hunting uses, and when I think of hunting uses, I think of freestanding shots, unsupported by a rest. And when I think of a rimfire, I think of precision being needed, because the targets are relatively small (rabbits let's say). So, shooting from a standing position without a buttstock with a charger at small game, the Charger *IS* indeed all but worthless, even if it produces teensy groups at the range. A shouldered rifle can deliver good field accuracy, particularly with a sling properly used. That's what I meant to say/ should have said.

 

[Colt46]

I've got the Papoose

I love it and recommend it. The red plastic front sight is hideous, but functional. If you are man enought to handle the slings and arrows of people who don't know better you can take it out in public. Everybody comments on the fact it is the ugliest damned abortion of a rifle they have ever seen.
Accurate, easy to stow and lightweight. Marlin scored on everything but aesthetics.

 

[TCB in TN]

I had a Marlin Papoose for a year and a half.

After two trips back to Marlin, they managed to get it from a totaly unreliable POS to a semi-reliable gun that woulod only jam once a magazine.

It had a habit of not ejecting the empty shell, and jamming it against the top of the receiver with the incomming round wedged halfway into the chamber. It took a screwdriver or needle nose pliers to clear it. PITA.

I took it back to the gunshop with the paperwork from Marlin, and they took the gun back.

Now I'm not anit-Marlin, I have two model 39's that have been the best guns I've had. But the model 60 based papoose is a mediocre gun at best, and very unreliable at worst. Over at the rimfire central site on the Marlin forum, they talk alot about fixes for the problems of the model 60 and related actions.

Want small and light? Get a CZ scout.

I have owned literally dozens of model 60's, probably another dozen 75's and the only time I have even had any trouble was when they were so gunked up to be almost impossible to work. I have bought a couple with problems like that and was actually given one and with a little gun oil and some cleaning they have ALL worked just fine!

 

[sigma 40ve]

I have a Charger and have a cheap Tasco red dot mounted on it. I am amazed at how accurate this pistol is. My wife made fun of me for buying it, and laughed at the pistol when she seen it. Now, I can't keep it from her when I take it to the range. She absolutely loves the Charger. Definetly a keeper for me.

FWIW, I have thought hard about a Papoose the last couple of years. I have found 2 in that time like new for less than $175 each. Didn't buy either, don't regrett it. Was thinking the other day that the Charger is a great weapon for a survival type pistol in place of a small rifle.