some questions..

[Twmaster]

You might also want to look at the Marlin 795. It's basically the same as the model 60 except that it has a removable 10 round magazine.

Also, the 795 (blued not stainless version) has a $25 rebate good until the end of the year. Academy and Bass Pro stock them. IIRC Bass Pro has them for $149 before the rebate.

 

[Ignored Member]

The S&W MP15 is a great .22 rifle, but probably not the best for a starter gun. They definitely have that cool factor, but you'll spray and pray more than aim and learn the fundamentals.
Marlin 60's are awesome rifles. I had one for a lil while, don't know why I ever got rid of it. I'm gonna have to get me another one.

 

[steelhorse]

I agree that a .22 is not the best for home defense. If I was to use it for h.d., I would probably load it with Aguila 60 grain.

 

[Vamoose]

Buy it. You'll have fun with it.

 

[dowmace]

The 15-22 is a cool little gun, if your set on getting an AR style .22lr might I suggest also looking at the Sig 522 I believe they are a little cheaper and I love the heck out of mine. But if your flexible on style I would definitely look into something more like a ruger 10/22 for your first firearm, with a "tactical" gun your more likely to just ream through a clip as fast as you can for fun without learning good fundamentals.