Worth Tinkering With? (56k warning)

[JoeMal]

I was recently given a Marlin Model 60 that has seen better days...

Someone cut off the stock. Why? I have no idea. But they did. So I've got that going on. The rest of the rifle is obviously maltreated. Think it would be worth investing in a new stock and getting this cleaned up? I know you can buy these things new for about $150. A Boyds stock runs at least $50, usually more I believe. I don't have any restoration experience, so it would either be paid to get done by a gunsmith, or I would 'learn' and do a DIY

I wouldn't mind having another .22 for the lady to use (I've already got a 60) but I'm not quite sure it's worth the effort?

Somewhat off-topic; could anyone tell me the manufacture date? Serial is 17398XXX

 

[JoeMal]

 

[Tim the student]

Here is a stock starting out for $35.

As to restoring it, well, what better gun to learn on than a free one?

I say have fun with it, but set a price limit for yourself so you don't wind up dumping $200 into it.

 

[slicksleeve]

You can buy that $35 stock that Tim the student found you. Then you can get that $50 Duracoat kit that comes with everything you need and one color. Then you have about $85 in a fun project gun.

 

[Legionnaire]

Yeah, looks like a fun project. You do need a stock. Other than that, I'd just clean the metal real well and get it functioning properly before thinking about any further refinishing. I've been toying with the idea of Duracoating a project gun, but on this one, think I'd just go with rattle-can Krylon, and touch it up whenever needed.

 

[schmeky]

I'd check the rifling to see how rusted or pitted it is before I spent anything on it. Those Marlin 22's were known for great accuracy, had what they referred to as "micro-groove" rifling.

Hate to see you put time and effort into a .22 that shoots like a shotgun.

 

[Nugilum]

That also looks like the older kind that hold 17 or 18 rounds in the magazine. If the rifling is intact, definitely do it.

 

[Roccobro]

Read up on the electro rust removing using a car charger and a piece of rebar as a cathode. It will strip the rust right off in minutes without hurting the remaining finish.

Justin

 

[bigfatdave]

Interesting!

You want to remove that stock to ensure the idiotic NFA regulations don't bite you in the rear, would this junker action fit in your existing model 60's stock? You could function test and otherwise troubleshoot with zero investment if you can just transplant the barreled action.

Failing that, you at least have a functional model to compare to, which is a huge help in troubleshooting and re-assembly.

After ditching that PGO stock, I'd think step one would be to detail strip and start an inventory of parts and categorizing of their condition/usability.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

I would go cheap on fixing it up, but you could go 'spensive too.

I have a much abused Model 60 "pawn shop orphan" that I de-rusted and left the aluminum receiver wire brushed dull white while coating the barrel with flat black automotive primer, put a Ramline plastic stock on it and in twenty years have gotten more use out of it than a new Model 60 I have that mostly sits in the closet in case my truck gun breaks.

Model 60s in that external condition often have good bores and good internals due to .22 being non corrosive ammo (although in 40 odd years I have replaced the aluminum feed throats on a couple but it takes thousands of rounds to wear out the feed throat).

Looks to me like someone whacked the stock to make a cheap anti-burglar house gun.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

PGO stock on a 22" barreled Model 60 is still way over 26" federal over all minimum for a rifle. It is still a Title I rifle with the whacked stock, since it started as a shoulder gun and is still over the NFA Title II minimum. State and local laws may vary from the federal. The PGO stock on a rifle is not practical though and makes the gun look "gangsta" and "bubba" at the same time. I'd swap out the stock, but not for legal reasons.

 

[armyofmunn]

Move the bolt and see if it functions. then check the rifeling should be good all the ones that have come through my shop have been. get some evapo-rust that is what I use to remove rust and blueing $20, a cold blueing kit $15 and then that $35 stock. fix it your self and save $100 that another Gunsmith would charge. Cheapest way there. or get a duracoat kit and have a better job that will last longer. If you need some assistance email me I'll help walk you through it.

 

[shenck]

Where do you live? I just happen to have a model 60 stock sitting around. I didn't read all of the replies, so I don't know if anyone said the date of manufacture, but it is 1983.

 

[shiftyer1]

I recently got one with a cracked stock that was rusted as bad or worse, a little steel wool, kroil, and elbow grease and it turned out pretty good. I had to order a new rear site so cost of gun plus parts was 50 bux. I didn't get a new stock I just glued the original one. It turned out to be a good shooter and their not hard to take apart and put back together, just look on youtube for instructions

 

[orionengnr]

Lots of good advice. I especially like Big Fat Dave's idea of using the stock off your other M60 to verify function before spending a dime on it. My money says it will work just fine, and you will be grabbing that $35 stock and a refinishing kit and ending up with another good shooter. The satisfaction of having resurrected it from the grave will add to it's sentimental value. Enjoy your project!

...and I'd be tempted to try the Blue Wonder Blueing kit. I've seen it used and the initial results are very nice (not sure about the durability, though).
I have the kit, and I have an old $100 16 gauge sxs, and I need to get bust this winter...

 

[Chawbaccer]

Go cheap, lap joint on a piece of 2x6, profile it as you wish and finish it up with some Bondo. Clean the rust off and just paint the whole works with cheap spray paint.
I wouldn't bother with the cold blue, it never looks good, if you insist, use Oxphalo blue from Brownell's.

 

[JoeMal]

Where do you live? I just happen to have a model 60 stock sitting around. I didn't read all of the replies, so I don't know if anyone said the date of manufacture, but it is 1983.

Illinois. I may be interested in a stock..let me know.

I do know the gun works. I fired five rounds, had one FTE. But when I took the gun home that night and took it off the stock, and noticed how much grime and grit was inside the action, I was surprised any of the rounds fired. I'm going to clean the action as well as I can and look into cleaning the rust off the gun. Sounds like a nice winter project