CAnnoneer
Member
If the choice is narrowed down to Ruger K10/22RPF, Marlin 795SS, and Marlin 60SS, which one would you pick and why?
Ruger or Marlin?
- Thread starter CAnnoneer
- Start date
- Status
Rock_Steady
Member
Let me preface this with saying I have marlins, not Rugers.
I have a 795, and I like it. I have had no trouble with it, it is accurate enough for me and squirrels. I didn't like the iron sights so I put a 4x fixed scope on it. Good for plinking and targets.
I want a model 60 to be able to carry across my back without a magazine digging into me, I want to use irons or find better ones from Williams, etc. It would be a good knocking around the woods rifle, and a good rabbit/squirrel gun. Maybe the occ. pheasant, too - I've gotten lucky in the past.
Basically its all in what you want to use it for - and how you want to set it up. Marlins don't have many aftermarket accessories - get what you want out of the box. Rugers, well, with the 10/22, the sky is the limit. Marlins are less espensive to start, and pretty much finish. If you get into modding your 10/22, you could easily put $2k into one before you "finish" it.
ETA: Use the search function, this is often discussed both here and over at www.rimfirecentral.com
I have a 795, and I like it. I have had no trouble with it, it is accurate enough for me and squirrels. I didn't like the iron sights so I put a 4x fixed scope on it. Good for plinking and targets.
I want a model 60 to be able to carry across my back without a magazine digging into me, I want to use irons or find better ones from Williams, etc. It would be a good knocking around the woods rifle, and a good rabbit/squirrel gun. Maybe the occ. pheasant, too - I've gotten lucky in the past.
Basically its all in what you want to use it for - and how you want to set it up. Marlins don't have many aftermarket accessories - get what you want out of the box. Rugers, well, with the 10/22, the sky is the limit. Marlins are less espensive to start, and pretty much finish. If you get into modding your 10/22, you could easily put $2k into one before you "finish" it.
ETA: Use the search function, this is often discussed both here and over at www.rimfirecentral.com
I bought a Marlin 60 on sale. A couple months later, I sold my 10/22, since I never shot it again.
The Ruger was stovepipe-prone, finicky about ammo, not accurate, had poor stock geometry for a scope and no last shot hold open feature. The Marlin has a much heavier barrel and a laminate stock standard, feeds better, doesn't seem to mind bulk ammo, shoots tighter groups even with bulk ammo, has a stock that works well with a scope, and has the hold open feature I expect from a modern semiauto. It was a lot cheaper, too.
If you really must have the 10/22 design, pony up for a Volquartsen. It costs no more than you'll end up spending anyway, and you'll end up with a better gun and zero hassle.
(Get your Marlins now before Remington turns Marlin's fine products into Big Green mediocre junk.)
The Ruger was stovepipe-prone, finicky about ammo, not accurate, had poor stock geometry for a scope and no last shot hold open feature. The Marlin has a much heavier barrel and a laminate stock standard, feeds better, doesn't seem to mind bulk ammo, shoots tighter groups even with bulk ammo, has a stock that works well with a scope, and has the hold open feature I expect from a modern semiauto. It was a lot cheaper, too.
If you really must have the 10/22 design, pony up for a Volquartsen. It costs no more than you'll end up spending anyway, and you'll end up with a better gun and zero hassle.
(Get your Marlins now before Remington turns Marlin's fine products into Big Green mediocre junk.)
rangerruck
Member
both marlins will be much more accurate, and the 795 will be super handy with a fatter bbl. Now I am particular to tube feds, such as the 60, but if you like mags better, then the 795, or 7000 are proly two of the best to get , out there.
PAPACHUCK
Member
I've got a Marlin 60 and a Ruger 10/22.
Even with $350 of add-ons, the Ruger cannot touch the Marlin's accuracy.
The Marlin was bought by me in 1980, and has taught all my kids to shoot. After 27yrs, it still does it's job very well.
Even with $350 of add-ons, the Ruger cannot touch the Marlin's accuracy.
The Marlin was bought by me in 1980, and has taught all my kids to shoot. After 27yrs, it still does it's job very well.
velojym
Member
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2006
- Messages
- 621
I used to have a 60, and took it everywhere with me. It shot well, but I wasn't really in love with that magazine, and eventually the cap on the end of the spring tube broke. I kludged a fix for it (don't remember too many details, it's been a couple decades now) and it worked ok until I dented the mag tube on a rock.
They had 10/22s on sale then, so I bought one. No problems with the factory mag digging in anywhere, though I did pick up a couple of 'nanner mags for those energetic can-torture sessions.
I haven't gone back. I'm quite pleased with the Ruger, though if I ran across another Marlin... I'd be happy with that, too.
They had 10/22s on sale then, so I bought one. No problems with the factory mag digging in anywhere, though I did pick up a couple of 'nanner mags for those energetic can-torture sessions.
I haven't gone back. I'm quite pleased with the Ruger, though if I ran across another Marlin... I'd be happy with that, too.
Wolfgang2000
Member
- Joined
- Sep 7, 2007
- Messages
- 376
I'm sold on the Ruger 10-22 for a semi auto 22. If it was a lever action I would go with Marlin. I've had several Marlin semi auto 22's and just couldn't get them to work right for me. My 10-22 was could shoot 10 rounds that could be covered by a dime at 25 yards. The only add on I've have is a extended mag release. My 10-22 gets cleaned about every other brick, and it's never failed. I bought mine in the early 90's.
I understand that quality control at different manufactures are a yo-yo. To be honest I'm not sure where they are at right now. (Ruger high and Marlin low or visa versa.) You buy what appeals to you. I do highly recommend stainless steel, no matter which brand you buy. If you get one you don't like sell it and try another. Or you could be the generous type and make it a present to a brother or such. I gave my Marlin model 60 to my younger brother and he just loves it. Go figure.
I understand that quality control at different manufactures are a yo-yo. To be honest I'm not sure where they are at right now. (Ruger high and Marlin low or visa versa.) You buy what appeals to you. I do highly recommend stainless steel, no matter which brand you buy. If you get one you don't like sell it and try another. Or you could be the generous type and make it a present to a brother or such. I gave my Marlin model 60 to my younger brother and he just loves it. Go figure.
Six O'clock Tactical
Member
Marlin 60
Hands down my favorite .22 semi. The one I have is a tack-driver, literally, (ive done it before as my neighbor took the term literally and bet me $1 that I couldent do it) and the fact that its so inexpensive is really clutch. Theyve changed the reciever since they made mine (late 60's) and im not so sure about the rest of the gun, but itll shoot any kind of ammo, even 60 grain subsonics, without a problem.
Hands down my favorite .22 semi. The one I have is a tack-driver, literally, (ive done it before as my neighbor took the term literally and bet me $1 that I couldent do it) and the fact that its so inexpensive is really clutch. Theyve changed the reciever since they made mine (late 60's) and im not so sure about the rest of the gun, but itll shoot any kind of ammo, even 60 grain subsonics, without a problem.
CAnnoneer
Member
Many thanks for the input.
After thinking about it a lot, I decided to go with Marlin 980S instead. It seems the Ruger needs a lot of tweaking, while the tubular magazine on the Marlin will eventually annoy me, and the semi-auto configuration has problems with stovepiping. Taking also into account that the .22LR bulk that I shoot sometimes produces FTFs in my Ruger MkIII pistol, it seems the bolt action is a less annoying choice. Finally, I've noticed that the semi-auto quick followup shot sometimes makes me pay less attention in placing an individual shot - a tendency that needs rooting out in rifle target shooting.
A followup question: Is there a way to install a ghost-ring backsight on the 980S ? Does any manufacturer make such? Which company sells them? Any advice on installation?
After thinking about it a lot, I decided to go with Marlin 980S instead. It seems the Ruger needs a lot of tweaking, while the tubular magazine on the Marlin will eventually annoy me, and the semi-auto configuration has problems with stovepiping. Taking also into account that the .22LR bulk that I shoot sometimes produces FTFs in my Ruger MkIII pistol, it seems the bolt action is a less annoying choice. Finally, I've noticed that the semi-auto quick followup shot sometimes makes me pay less attention in placing an individual shot - a tendency that needs rooting out in rifle target shooting.
A followup question: Is there a way to install a ghost-ring backsight on the 980S ? Does any manufacturer make such? Which company sells them? Any advice on installation?
Blue Brick
Member
I have a 795
MCgunner
Member
That's a tough decision. I love my stainless, Hogue stocked 10-22 and parts about for it if you wanna change it, but other than the stock, it's out of the box. It has an acceptable, but improvable trigger. It's acceptably accurate for hunting or plinking out of the box, and if you like competition, you can improve it with the aftermarket. Out of the box accuracy favors the Marlin. A M60 stainless is a handsome gun and handles more like a larger rifle. The 10-22 is more kid sized. I'll probably get a M60 someday, but honestly, it won't replace my 10-22 which is flawless and easier to tote in the field, lighter, handier, and I much prefer the rotary magazine to a tube feed. I have a few guns that hate Federal lightening bulk pack, failures to fire are abundant with them. My 10-22 is one. It loves CCI, both mini mag and is amazingly accurate with Stinger, producing 1" groups at 50 yards, better than any .22 I've ever tried with that stuff. With mini mag, I can fit 10 rounds into an inch circle at 25 which is good 'nuf for anything I care about doing. I've yet to try some of the exotic stuff in it like RWS and Eley. That will often tighten up groups as well as a few hundred dollars in a barrel.
I really think whatever you decided on, you will be happy with the decision. One thing Rugers do is WORK and last forever. It may not be quite as accurate out of the box, but it's got more aftermarket support to make it whatever you want it to be. That's why I got one instead of a Marlin. I just wanted a 10-22 first. The Marlin can come later. I have .22s that will outshoot a Marlin and are still plinker grade, not like I need one, just would like to have one. Gives me something affordable to look at at the gun shows. I also want a decent shape Nylon 66 someday and a Browning and............
I really think whatever you decided on, you will be happy with the decision. One thing Rugers do is WORK and last forever. It may not be quite as accurate out of the box, but it's got more aftermarket support to make it whatever you want it to be. That's why I got one instead of a Marlin. I just wanted a 10-22 first. The Marlin can come later. I have .22s that will outshoot a Marlin and are still plinker grade, not like I need one, just would like to have one. Gives me something affordable to look at at the gun shows. I also want a decent shape Nylon 66 someday and a Browning and............
MCgunner
Member
BTW, there are some aperture sights that clamp on the scope dove tails. Seen 'em in the Midway catalog before, might get one for my old Mossberg 152 auto that I busted the receiver sight off of someday. Right now, it has a scope on it and I've price a replacement (not the best design) peep at 70 bucks.
www.midwayusa.com
ArmedBear, I think you're in the vast minority on that one. There are millions of 10-22s out there. Some probably got through with a problem, but Ruger's customer service is pretty decent from what I'm told if that does happen.
www.midwayusa.com
ArmedBear, I think you're in the vast minority on that one. There are millions of 10-22s out there. Some probably got through with a problem, but Ruger's customer service is pretty decent from what I'm told if that does happen.
I'm sure it would have worked fine with all Mini-Mags or something.
But the Marlin eats whatever I feed it, and it would be hard for a gun to be more accurate with said ammo than my 60 is.
I do have an old Mossberg that is very accurate (all steel receiver, generally a nice gun), but it doesn't feed all that well.
Some really hate tube feed, but I haven't been too impressed with Ruger's mags, either. My tube feed guns work. I've had to clean the Ruger mags with a rag a lot when shooting, to get them to feed well, and mine have tended to jam with about 5 rounds stuck in the magazine. Again, this is generally not with expensive ammo, but if I have to shoot expensive ammo, the .22's purpose is defeated anyway.
I might have screwed with the gun more, but with the toy-like stock with too much drop for a scope, and the lousy accuracy, I decided to get money back out of it, rather than pouring it in.
The 39's are tons more fun, anyway.
But the Marlin eats whatever I feed it, and it would be hard for a gun to be more accurate with said ammo than my 60 is.
I do have an old Mossberg that is very accurate (all steel receiver, generally a nice gun), but it doesn't feed all that well.
Some really hate tube feed, but I haven't been too impressed with Ruger's mags, either. My tube feed guns work. I've had to clean the Ruger mags with a rag a lot when shooting, to get them to feed well, and mine have tended to jam with about 5 rounds stuck in the magazine. Again, this is generally not with expensive ammo, but if I have to shoot expensive ammo, the .22's purpose is defeated anyway.
I might have screwed with the gun more, but with the toy-like stock with too much drop for a scope, and the lousy accuracy, I decided to get money back out of it, rather than pouring it in.
The 39's are tons more fun, anyway.
MCgunner
Member
Wow, CCI is expensive at 3 and a half a hundred???? Even on my meager income, that's not bad. Oh, no, it ain't 10 bucks for 550 rounds, but hey, it goes bang in ALL my .22s, picky or not. I do buy the cheap stuff for my revolver, though. My 10/22 has no problems feeding it, just making it go bang. Priming on that Federal crap leaves a lot to be desired. I have other guns that don't like it, too. I've got probably 10K+ through that 10-22 now without a single jam on CCI mini mag. That's all I feed it, though, that or stinger, cause that's what it likes.
Eley match, that's expensive. Compared to 9mm it ain't too bad, though, LOL! Of course, I can reload 9mm for about a buck and a half a box of 50, but that takes effort, the casting, breaking out the dillon.....
My old Mossberg is funny. For years, I fired cheap bulk pack through it (no problems with it, BTW). I mean, I got the thing used from my step dad when I was 14, 41 years ago. It was probably 10 years old then. God only knows how many rounds I've put through it (along with my Remington 512X I got at age 9 and still have which is gawd awful accurate), but always cheap bulk stuff. One day I bought some Eley and RWS to test. Eley turned that thing into a match rifle, I mean one hole clusters at 25 yards! I was slack jawed at what good ammo could do in a cheap rifle that never fired better than a 1" group at that range before. I've yet to try some RWS or Eley in the Ruger. I paid near 7 bucks for a box of Eley, about half that for RWS. The RWS worked best in my Remington, but that thing shoots 1.5" groups at 100 yards with Federal lightening. I don't know if there's ammo made it can't shoot well. The RWS tightened it up, though to a smaller one hole cluster at 25...
Plinking is one thing, but occasionally I get serious and ammo quality will let you get serious even with a plinker grade gun sometimes. It pays to try a big variety to know what your gun likes. I don't do any serious competition, just occasionally a fun shoot with the club. I got no need for a match grade .22, but accuracy is still desirable even in a plinker, especially if you're hunting. I've still got some playing to do with that 10-22, but I keep it iron sighted. It's really my iron sight gun, bang around gun. It shoots fine the way it is for that. I could put a ghost ring receiver sight on it, would be a nice thing to add, but beyond that, I'll keep it as is. Maybe if I'm feeling rich sometime, I'll order a trigger for it, but I do fine with the out of the box set up. My Remington 597 sure improved with an aftermarket hammer/sear, WOW what an improvement! That's another amazingly accurate gun, gets some knocks, but mine works fantastic. It's a magnum and the ammo costs about what Eley match costs, but it's big fun to shoot and worth the ammo expense.
Hey, I'm a .22 junky, just can't have enough of 'em. I'll get a M60 sometime, preferably a stainless one. I bought one for the club to raffle off at the fair one year (when I had an FFL) and was impressed with it. Didn't shoot it, but I know how accurate they are. Ain't like I ain't got friends that have 'em. .22s are so cheap, I just wanna collect 'em for some reason. I like combing the pawn shops and gun shows for 'em. Seldom find a deal, but it's fun lookin'. I've sold a few I wish I could get back, though. Moron me....
Eley match, that's expensive. Compared to 9mm it ain't too bad, though, LOL! Of course, I can reload 9mm for about a buck and a half a box of 50, but that takes effort, the casting, breaking out the dillon.....
My old Mossberg is funny. For years, I fired cheap bulk pack through it (no problems with it, BTW). I mean, I got the thing used from my step dad when I was 14, 41 years ago. It was probably 10 years old then. God only knows how many rounds I've put through it (along with my Remington 512X I got at age 9 and still have which is gawd awful accurate), but always cheap bulk stuff. One day I bought some Eley and RWS to test. Eley turned that thing into a match rifle, I mean one hole clusters at 25 yards! I was slack jawed at what good ammo could do in a cheap rifle that never fired better than a 1" group at that range before. I've yet to try some RWS or Eley in the Ruger. I paid near 7 bucks for a box of Eley, about half that for RWS. The RWS worked best in my Remington, but that thing shoots 1.5" groups at 100 yards with Federal lightening. I don't know if there's ammo made it can't shoot well. The RWS tightened it up, though to a smaller one hole cluster at 25...
Plinking is one thing, but occasionally I get serious and ammo quality will let you get serious even with a plinker grade gun sometimes. It pays to try a big variety to know what your gun likes. I don't do any serious competition, just occasionally a fun shoot with the club. I got no need for a match grade .22, but accuracy is still desirable even in a plinker, especially if you're hunting. I've still got some playing to do with that 10-22, but I keep it iron sighted. It's really my iron sight gun, bang around gun. It shoots fine the way it is for that. I could put a ghost ring receiver sight on it, would be a nice thing to add, but beyond that, I'll keep it as is. Maybe if I'm feeling rich sometime, I'll order a trigger for it, but I do fine with the out of the box set up. My Remington 597 sure improved with an aftermarket hammer/sear, WOW what an improvement! That's another amazingly accurate gun, gets some knocks, but mine works fantastic. It's a magnum and the ammo costs about what Eley match costs, but it's big fun to shoot and worth the ammo expense.
Hey, I'm a .22 junky, just can't have enough of 'em. I'll get a M60 sometime, preferably a stainless one. I bought one for the club to raffle off at the fair one year (when I had an FFL) and was impressed with it. Didn't shoot it, but I know how accurate they are. Ain't like I ain't got friends that have 'em. .22s are so cheap, I just wanna collect 'em for some reason. I like combing the pawn shops and gun shows for 'em. Seldom find a deal, but it's fun lookin'. I've sold a few I wish I could get back, though. Moron me....
rangerruck
Member
I have had all at one time or another; now don't get me wrong, I like the ruger, and currently have it, and not any of the others. There is just something about the darn flush fit rotary mag, and flat bottom of the ruger, that is just so compelling , almost sexy... but I digress!
It took about 150 bucks in mods and accessories, not including any scope stuff, to get it to where it is accurate, and reliable, and easy to use. An s.s. upgrade parts kit, with torque wrench and accessories, extra big bolt handle, big magazine ext. latch release, trigger job by the incredible Mr. H., new extractor parts kit, and a few extra mags.
The marlins needed nothing , and they are still more accurate than the ruger, with the mod 60 I had, being world class accurate; all for a 75 dollar pawn shop buy.
It took about 150 bucks in mods and accessories, not including any scope stuff, to get it to where it is accurate, and reliable, and easy to use. An s.s. upgrade parts kit, with torque wrench and accessories, extra big bolt handle, big magazine ext. latch release, trigger job by the incredible Mr. H., new extractor parts kit, and a few extra mags.
The marlins needed nothing , and they are still more accurate than the ruger, with the mod 60 I had, being world class accurate; all for a 75 dollar pawn shop buy.
Well, I tried a friend's old 10/22 and let me tell you, it was a LOT nicer than the one I got rid of.
Receiver finish was different. Looked anodized. Mine was painted from what I could tell; it rubbed off on all the corners.
Bolt felt really smooth when I worked the action. Mine felt rough.
Stock looked like walnut, on a base model.
That old 10/22 feeds just about anything quite well, including the bulk Federals.
I wouldn't have dumped that Ruger, but I'm still glad I dumped the one I had.
Maybe Ruger has improved the quality since my gun was made, but I was really struck by how much it had gone to shi'ite between the old one and the POS I had.
And Mini-Mags aren't quite as cheap here, though that wasn't my point. Barring a match-chambered competition gun of course, a .22 that's picky about ammo is simply not designed or built as well as one that will reliably feed anything that meets the spec for .22LR.
Receiver finish was different. Looked anodized. Mine was painted from what I could tell; it rubbed off on all the corners.
Bolt felt really smooth when I worked the action. Mine felt rough.
Stock looked like walnut, on a base model.
That old 10/22 feeds just about anything quite well, including the bulk Federals.
I wouldn't have dumped that Ruger, but I'm still glad I dumped the one I had.
Maybe Ruger has improved the quality since my gun was made, but I was really struck by how much it had gone to shi'ite between the old one and the POS I had.
And Mini-Mags aren't quite as cheap here, though that wasn't my point. Barring a match-chambered competition gun of course, a .22 that's picky about ammo is simply not designed or built as well as one that will reliably feed anything that meets the spec for .22LR.
retrieverman
Member
I like my 10/22.
doc2rn
Member
In this instance I have to agree, Marlin 60SS is the way to go.
- Status
