Marlin Model 60…

[PistoleroWadcutterGANG]

Just a thought. I'd like to try a 10/22 with a heavy taper microgroove barrel. It'd be lots of fun to ring-out. Interesting idea. (I don't believe Ruger would kill off a production niche that has proven itself over decades) I bet some Ruger tool-die shop steward has already made one for himself and is having a blast shooting it.

 

[CraigC]

Making a mud hole? Thats quite the statement. Considering the rifle would not operate when it had to. If some pundits prefer to run the 1022 dry that's fine, then they're also going to have to deal with the results I've seen too. When it's shoot, borrow a rifle or go home you do what you require, regardless of some internet postings or fan boi rhetoric.
In so far as not particularly suitable, and as I aluded to earlier, ruger mave have corrected these issues on newer models. The ridiculous bolt release is first on my list. Wanting to fire the rifle rather than poke wiggle and cajole that ill made portion i found ....unsuitable. secondly the sights, but as most people have little appreciation for open sights and use optics it may make little difference. For my purposes with the 1022, also unsuitable. 3rd, the gritty heavy trigger. My sample, purpose built for a loaner had the usual crappy one. I thought after several thousand rounds this may work itself out. No, it didn't, again unsuitable for its purpose. Did the rifle go bang, yes properly lubricated, and after the several thousand rounds ceased to lock up requiring less. Did I alter the bolt release, yep, who wants engineered frustration, as well with the sights. Did I kit the trigger, yep. Now after altering some of the deficiencies, it's more likable, but never was as accurate as my older marlin 60s

So if it conflicts with your opinion it's just "some internet postings or fan boi rhetoric"? That's convenient. In the 30yrs I've owned them, now numbering 11 total, I've always had better luck running them dry. The trigger group needs a little but not in the action. I sure as hell wouldn't spray oil in the action and expect it to run for very long.

No argument on the bolt release. It's dumb and Ruger has never fixed it. Easy for the individual though. While it is a pain in the rear, it's also real easy to just not bother with it. It's the one minor annoyance that the Marlin has over the Ruger and easily fixable. What's the difference between the 10/22's sights and the sights that come on any other rifle? Especially one in its price range. Marlin's better? Nope. While most of mine have aftermarket triggers or trigger parts, the factory trigger is perfectly acceptable on a sub-$300 plinker. Seems I measured a new one a couple years ago at 4.5lbs. Marlin's trigger better? Nope and good luck fixing that. I wonder how many millions of 10/22's are out there doing their job just fine without any modification whatsoever?

 

[D.B. Cooper]

...the rhetoric is getting ridiculous...

Oh totally. I staked out my position a while ago. At this point, it's all just fun and games. Try not to take it too seriously.

 

[d2wing]

If MG was a benefit we would see it in Custom barrels. Know of any? Nope. Just a marketing tool. There are millions of both rifles sold so both are viable and decent products. Neither is perfect. I see tube magazines as a problem and the main difference. That and the ability to upgrade the 10/22. The question is, is Ruger going to make Model 60's or not. It seems they are so that option will be available again maybe for those fans. If so we will be arguing on if they are better, worse or different.

 

[Mike J]

I'll have to argue this point, much as I love the Model 60. Yes, cleaning it helps it run better. That's true of any autoloader. But all my life, I've had to clean mine about every 50-100 rounds. By comparison, I've had well past 500 rounds in my CMMG conversion with not a single malfunction. (JINX!)

So, I'd say that the Model 60 needs more cleaning and more often that other rimfires. But to be clear, my dirty Model 60 run better than my clean and well lubricated 10/22.

My experience differs from yours. While I did patch it out from time to time I went over a thousand rounds before I stripped & cleaned my mid 90's model 60. I did it because the rifle started failing to feed from slide lock. I could still mess with it & get it to feed though.

 

[Mike J]

If MG was a benefit we would see it in Custom barrels. Know of any? Nope. Just a marketing tool. There are millions of both rifles sold so both are viable and decent products. Neither is perfect. I see tube magazines as a problem and the main difference. That and the ability to upgrade the 10/22. The question is, is Ruger going to make Model 60's or not. It seems they are so that option will be available again maybe for those fans. If so we will be arguing on if they are better, worse or different.

Time will tell. I haven't handled one but fit & finish looks very nice in the videos I have seen on the Ruger/Marlin leverguns that are being made now. The one I saw about the Ruger/Marlin 336 looked much nicer that the 336 I had back when. If Ruger does make them it may be interesting to see what stock options, rifling etc. they use & make available & what price point it comes in at. I doubt I would buy another model 60. I might pick up a 10/22 out of curiosity but I really don't usually use .22 rifles for anything but plinking so it isn't a priority.

 

[Risky buisness]

So if it conflicts with your opinion it's just "some internet postings or fan boi rhetoric"? That's convenient. In the 30yrs I've owned them, now numbering 11 total, I've always had better luck running them dry. The trigger group needs a little but not in the action. I sure as hell wouldn't spray oil in the action and expect it to run for very long.

No argument on the bolt release. It's dumb and Ruger has never fixed it. Easy for the individual though. While it is a pain in the rear, it's also real easy to just not bother with it. It's the one minor annoyance that the Marlin has over the Ruger and easily fixable. What's the difference between the 10/22's sights and the sights that come on any other rifle? Especially one in its price range. Marlin's better? Nope. While most of mine have aftermarket triggers or trigger parts, the factory trigger is perfectly acceptable on a sub-$300 plinker. Seems I measured a new one a couple years ago at 4.5lbs. Marlin's trigger better? Nope and good luck fixing that. I wonder how many millions of 10/22's are out there doing their job just fine without any modification whatsoever?

Actually Craig, it's when someone doesn't accept only your opinion,that the rhetoric starts.
I'm happy that your experience with your samples wasn't fairly poor, and as I mentioned, my personal example, and the literal hundred + out of thousands does not suggest that it isn't a partial failure of at least some of them on several of the points, you had asked me to elaborate on. Had this particular discussion included pro/ con regarding Ruger marlin I would have mentioned that I'm not particularly enamored of Marlin sights either and opt to change them for something more suitable for the rifles intended purpose. As for the trigger question, while you admit your own pile, herd, or assortment of rugers are modified, that you believed the gritty hard trigger as " perfectly acceptable " why then modify them? Perhaps " perfectly acceptable " mesns something different to you? Wondering how many unmodified examples exist is puzzling when you mention the majority of yours are. Would thst speak to presumed, or actual deficiencies with these rifles that people dont want to live with, or don't accept like the stupid bolt release that apparently you feel people should just not bother with? At any rate, choice is as choice does, I own Rugers, I own Marlins, each has a different purpose, and their own idiosyncrasies. And, back on topic, I hope Ruger does indeed continue the M 60 in some form, and correct some it its deficiencies along the way.

 

[Spats McGee]

I think this one has outlived its utility. Thank you all for being civil.