want to pick up a plinker

The Marlin 60 is a nice little rifle, but personally I think they're as ugly as a tomato stick. Same goes pretty much for the basic 10/22 carbine too.

BUT, if you spend a few bucks more and upgrade to the DSP (DeLux Sporter) Ruger 10/22, a used one is even better, you have a really nice looking little rifle that will shoot well enough out of the box for what you're talking about. Then later if you want to, you can pour money into it, like a sailor on leave. I've never felt the need for anything more than a scope and a sling on mine.

 

I'd go with a 10/22 with Tech Sights. My wife and I each have one and they're great for polishing up our marksmanship.

 

Thats a shame i've wanted to get my hands on a 66 since i first saw one a couple years ago. oh well.

 

There are stil plenty of them around ... and they'll take a bit more abuse than you have been lead to believe. Sitting in the sun isn't going to bend the barrel much. Still shooting the one I bought new in HS ... and that was a lonnnggg time ago.