I don't operate within the Marlin 60-Ruger 10/22 paradigm, but I still think the Marlin 60SS would be worth buying (BTW it has a laminated stock --
all 60s do now, even if they're stained plain brown).
I own 5 .22 rifles currently, and 4 .22 handguns, including two I use for competition.
My
cheapest .22 rifle other than the Marlin 60 was $400 used, apart from my first one that I got for Chrismas when I was 16. I'm not really a gun snob; I used to live near an indoor range that offered an unlimited membership for a bargain price, and .22 was about all I could shoot without driving 25+ miles and paying high range fees. So I have an accumulation of .22s instead of other stuff.
I sold my 10/22 and have no interest in buying another. I can throw $1000 at something
else, next time I actually have it, thanks.
All that said, I have and really like my Marlin 60. It's a worthy rifle, fun, reliable, and very accurate, and the low price is an added bonus. Seriously.
Buying a 60SS won't stop you from getting the Browning. Besides, the takedown Browning with its balance and geometry asks to be left with iron sights. The 60SS is a great gun to scope, since it's accurate and the stock has a raised comb.