Which .22LR?

[Mike1951]

I thought it odd that the Marlin 60 wasn't on your list from the beginning. I don't personally own one but my best friend does. I have two 10/22's and would never recommend one, which puts me into a distinct minority.

I have a beautiful Deluxe 10/22 from the '80's and I have one that I bought for $139 and added a target barrel and Hogue overmolded stock.

If you want to spend money accessorizing a .22, then go for the 10/22. But if you want an accurate, reliable, trouble tree .22 then buy the Marlin 60.

And I MUCH prefer the tube magazine over detachables. I've probably bought 25-30 factory 10/22 magazines at from $10-$16 each and if they work right, they don't work right for very long. That statement will flood this thread with posts from people who swear by 10/22 mags and never had a problem with one. Try doing some reading at http://www.rimfirecentral.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. You can download pages of instructions on how to disassemble, clean, and most importantly, how to retension a factory 10/22 magazine so that it will actually work.

With regards to the 597, the first issue mag was a plastic one which didn't work. The factory replaced those with a cast aluminum or some other cheap metal that after a year in my safe looked like it had spent that year submerged in salt water. When the factory replaced these, I have had no other problems. Still, the 597 never felt like a real gun.

I would get the Marlin 60 with a wood stock. If you want to go all out, it is offered in stainless with a laminated wood stock that is very nice.

[NcongruNt]

I thought it odd that the Marlin 60 wasn't on your list from the beginning. I don't personally own one but my best friend does. I have two 10/22's and would never recommend one, which puts me into a distinct minority.

I have a beautiful Deluxe 10/22 from the '80's and I have one that I bought for $139 and added a target barrel and Hogue overmolded stock.

If you want to spend money accessorizing a .22, then go for the 10/22. But if you want an accurate, reliable, trouble tree .22 then buy the Marlin 60.

And I MUCH prefer the tube magazine over detachables. I've probably bought 25-30 factory 10/22 magazines at from $10-$16 each and if they work right, they don't work right for very long. That statement will flood this thread with posts from people who swear by 10/22 mags and never had a problem with one. Try doing some reading at http://www.rimfirecentral.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. You can download pages of instructions on how to disassemble, clean, and most importantly, how to retension a factory 10/22 magazine so that it will actually work.

With regards to the 597, the first issue mag was a plastic one which didn't work. The factory replaced those with a cast aluminum or some other cheap metal that after a year in my safe looked like it had spent that year submerged in salt water. When the factory replaced these, I have had no other problems. Still, the 597 never felt like a real gun.

I would get the Marlin 60 with a wood stock. If you want to go all out, it is offered in stainless with a laminated wood stock that is very nice.

And it sure is pretty.

[mr.72]

Yes, I looked at one of those SS/laminated model 60s just yesterday. But still I don't want a tube magazine.

Eventually I can conceive that I might buy a regular walnut & blued Marlin 60 but today, I am going to go get the 795.

[KD5NRH]

Out of curiosity, why don't you like the tube magazine? I'd venture to guess that reloading is annoying, and I'd have to agree.

As much as I liked my Model 60, and still like the Win9422M, it just doesn't feel right to be reching up there in front of the muzzle all the time.

As for the 702, I've got one, and it goes bang every time. The trigger isn't very good, but it's consistent, and not so bad that you can't be really accurate with it.

[mr.72]

It's not just reloading, but unloading, and the general manual of arms of a tube magazine that I don't like. I prefer the ease of the box magazine. Plus the 795 has a bolt hold-open release lever, so it's real easy to tell if it's empty, or to chamber a round.

And on top of that, I am just not into the old-school look of a tube magazine.

I bought the 795 today. Will report back on how it shoots after I make it to the range.