Opinions wanted

[Gun Poor Pop]

who is manufacturing the better semi-auto .22lr these days? Ruger with it’s 10/22 or the Marlin model 60? Going to purchase 4 rifles for my grandkids for Christmas. Ages 5,6,10 & 11.
Even thinking about Henry lever guns for the two older ones. Any opinions or advice?

 

[Dave70968]

Having spent a week in a dusty environment with a 10/22, with people shooting Marlin 795's on the line next to me (same action as a 60, but with a box magazine instead of a tube), the 795's were much more reliable. The 10/22 has a lot more customization options available--if the AR-15 is Lego for adults, then the 10/22 is the .22LR answer to Legos--but I'd rather have the 795 for most uses.

In good news, you can get Tech Sights (a replica of the AR-15 irons) for both. I recommend them.

 

[Shadowrider]

Not even close. Ruger 10/22 hands down. IMO.

The Henry lever guns are really nice too. The fit and finish remind me of old school Browning guns.

 

[Gun Poor Pop]

I know that this is kinda like a Ford vs. Chevy debate question. I own an older Marlin 60 but I didn’t know if they were any good after they were taken over by Remington.

 

[Gun Poor Pop]

Hey Dave and Shadowrider thanks for the replies. I had wondered about the Marlin 795 Dave. I think I will need to check them out in person. Just from looking at online photos the 795 just looks cheap. What sez you Dave?

 

[snafu21]

10/22 without a doubt. You can customize to the max on the Kidd site

 

[Gun Poor Pop]

Thanks snafu. That is some useful info.

 

[Dave70968]

Hey Dave and Shadowrider thanks for the replies. I had wondered about the Marlin 795 Dave. I think I will need to check them out in person. Just from looking at online photos the 795 just looks cheap. What sez you Dave?

I like the 795's I've handled. Yes, they're polymer-stocked, but for a utility gun, I view that as an asset, not a drawback. If you want to make something pretty, you'll definitely find more aftermarket options for the 10/22.

I've definitely never thought the internals were cheaply-made, though.

As between the two, you'd be well-served to go ask over at the Appleseed Forum at https://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php . There are lots of threads on the topic there.

 

[adamsredlines]

10/22 fo sho

 

[Gun Poor Pop]

I like the 795's I've handled. Yes, they're polymer-stocked, but for a utility gun, I view that as an asset, not a drawback. If you want to make something pretty, you'll definitely find more aftermarket options for the 10/22.

I've definitely never thought the internals were cheaply-made, though.

As between the two, you'd be well-served to go ask over at the Appleseed Forum at https://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php . There are lots of threads on the topic there.

Thanks! I will check it out.