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tb7475 wrote:I pick Ruger 10/22,it shoots pretty good out of box and there are tons of after market hop up parts available.

Actually, I eliminated the 10/22 early on after I started the thread because I wanted something that would just shoot out of the box, and not need any tweaking down the road. The requirements were a gun that I could put a scope and sling on and start plugging squirrels without too much effort or accessorizing.

I've been happy with my Marlin 60. So far, I'm about 500 rounds in and still haven't had one FTF, FTE or misfeed. Guess I've gotten some pretty decent boxes of ammo so far.

Here are some targets from ammo testing and sighting in. I need a real rest, as these were at 20 yards without an adequate rest. I'll reduplicate this when I get a decent one to see if there is any change (especially tightening of the groups). Needless to say, I was somewhat surprised at the results. The white squares are actually 15/16", while the 'boxes' are advertised as being 1". The red circles are 3/4" in diameter. The black bull on the last picture, after I adjusted the scope (Bushnell 3-9x32), is also 3/4". The first three are 15 shot strings, the last one is 5. Since you should shoot what your gun likes, it looks like it is Winchester Xpert, unless something else comes along that's better.

The CCI Mini-Mag left a bigger spread than I suspected:



The Wal-Mart Federal 550 round bulk-pack high-velocity hollow points are not going onto the rotation any time soon if they keep up this performance:



The Winchester 550 round bulk pack of Xpert high-velocity hollow points performed the best:



Here is 5 rounds of the Winchester again after I adjusted the scope:



ETA: changed title

gunlock wrote:UpTheIrons,

Thanks for the update on the Marlin. Sounds like a nifty rifle.

You are most welcome. The scope came today while I was out, so I have to pick it up at the P.O. tomorrow. Hopefully, I can post a range report soon.

Since I started the thread, let me reply briefly.

I went with the Marlin 60 as a "value" rifle and am very happy with the results. Out of the box it was shooting 1/2 inch groups at 25 yards with the sorry excuse for a scope that was included with it. They opened up to 1.5 inches at 50 yards, but I blame that on the "optics" since I only had a blurry sight picture - could never get it to resolve well.

I haven't had the chance to try the irons since I took the scope off (and put it on my son's Crickett - see Redneck .22 laser boresighter thread), and my new scope is on its way from Amazon. I'd recommend the 60 in a heartbeat. It fed all the ammo I gave it without any hiccups (CCI Mini-Mags, Federal Bulk HV, and Winchester Xpress HV) and the only problem was that it ran dry too fast.

Can't help you with the TC R55, though.

That's what I'm afraid of. I haven't seen any with a longer barrel. Maybe some of those European models have 'em - the CZs and Anschutzes - but not much on this side of the pond. That's one thing that kind of turned me off of the 10/22, too - the short length.

Rex B wrote:

UpTheIrons wrote:

Rex B wrote:I think I need one of those new stainless 60s, if I can find the one with the long barrel.
Most of those in the stores now have a shorter barrel.

What do you mean by "long" barrel? The only ones I see (on Marlin's website, Bud's and Gallery of Guns) are 19". The 795 is 18", but I've not seen any with a longer barrel than 19".

The older 60s had about a 22" barrel IIRC. My 1980 model is almost as long as my Marlin 39a
I recently went to Cabela's specifically to pick up a wood/stainless 60 on sale for $189.95.
When i picked up the display, it just did not feel right. It finally dawned on me that the barrel was much shorter.
I do not think they make the long barrel any longer, though they did make a 22" stainless in recent years.

Not a big deal as far as accuracy, but I'm a big guy with long arms, and I like long guns.
My 18" 10/22 feels like a youth gun to me. The old 60 feels right.

So I'm shopping the used market for a SS/laminated 60.

Ah, now I see. As I also have what my wife calls "monkey arms", I think the 19" barrel Model 60 will likely feel a bit smallish in my hands, too, but I'll have to get used to it, I guess.

Rex B wrote:I think I need one of those new stainless 60s, if I can find the one with the long barrel.
Most of those in the stores now have a shorter barrel.

What do you mean by "long" barrel? The only ones I see (on Marlin's website, Bud's and Gallery of Guns) are 19". The 795 is 18", but I've not seen any with a longer barrel than 19". Should have asked when I called Marlin yesterday. Cabela's in Buda has the stainless 60 with the laminated stock (both blue and pink) for $270, which is way above my budget right now. Maybe later.

As soon as I hear back from my FFL, I'll have a Model 60 on the way! Range report to follow.

I've decided that, this time, it's going to be a Marlin 60.

I like the idea of the 795 and the box magazine being easier to swap out, but the thought of those sharp edges digging in my back when I have it on a sling is a turn-off. Besides, the Spee-D-Loader would alleviate any problems with slow reloads (thanks for the heads up, flb_78!).

I almost ran to Academy this afternoon, because they have the birch-stocked model on hand for $150, but I think I'll go with the synthetic stock (Bud's has it for $158 with a cheap scope, $148 without). Maybe my LGS can order one for something close to that and I can avoid a transfer fee. It has the sling swivels already installed, and I've seen a post or two (on other fora) from people who were concerned about the thinness of the stock up front and installing a mount through it.

Thanks for all the help while I was thinking out loud. As usual, y'all are a stand-up, helpful bunch!

Thanks for all the insight, links, and help so far.

I'm not looking to accessorize anything, so the 10/22 is at the bottom of the list right now, even though I've wanted one off and on for several years. All I want to put on it is a scope and maybe a sling. Accuracy is #1 for me, so it looks like I have to decide between the Henry and the Marlin. It may be down to the 60 (unless I find a Wal-Mart Henry) - don't know if I can justify +$400 for a squirrel gun right now.

The Spee-D-Loader looks like a great way to reload those tubes, too!

Well, I guess the next question is: do I need to spend $500 to get a "good" value? For something that will last? Or will one of these sub $200 guns do it? Sounds like I just need to buy something and try it, then upgrade if needed.

So many questions ... so many guns ... so little ammo!

Sorry about your "loss" at the hands of Va Tech.

I've perused some threads and used the search function, but I'm just as confused as ever.

What is a good .22 rifle that you would say is a "best buy" for me? a $250 Henry lever? A $130 Marlin semi? Remmy 597? Mossy 702? Ruger 10/22? Something else entirely? What have I missed?

I'm looking for a squirrel gun, primarily, but it will also see heavy plinking use, and likely sporadic turtle duty. I grew up on tube-fed semis and lever guns, but I'm leaning toward something detachable-magazine fed for ease in reloading. I'm looking for long life and something my 7 year old can grow into without waiting too long to grow into it.

I've got an ancient (25 year old) Mossy 144 LSB, which I used in 4-H shooting sports, and it is NOT a field gun. The barrel alone weighs 9 or so pounds, so anything lighter will be an improvement.

What say ye?

ETA: Changed title of thread