Marlin Model 60

[jrdudas]

I recently found a Marlin Model 60 used at my local gun shop.  I keep wavering on buying it since I don't really need it, and I am probably looking for reasons not to buy it.  I have both a lever action .22 and a bolt action.  The price for the Model 60 is fair, but not a "knock-your-eyes-out" bargain ($99).  The gun is in excellent condition and I have bought from this store before.

For reasons unknown, it has escaped me that there are so many used .22 caliber semi-auto's out there.  In fact, once I started looking I found many more of them than I have found used lever action .22's.  I am wondering why this is the case.  Are there safety or reliability problems with the semi-auto's.  Do they need much more maintenance than a lever or bolt action.

I am a target shooter, but not a hunter; are the semi-auto's accurate enough and appropriate for target shooting.

There is really no good reason to buy this gun, other than the fact that it's not a lot of money and I can't seem to effectively talk my self out of it.

What do you think.

JR

[Nightrain52]

You should be able to buy used 60's all day long in the $60.00 to $75.00 range unless it is a stainless model. Some of the semi-auto's can be very accurate but most of them are just a good plinking gun. Most are capable of being small vermin exterminators if the range isn't to far. If you want a fun gun to plink with you can burn a brick of shells real quick. I wouldn't consider one a starter gun for a youngster because of the safety factor.

[jrdudas]

Just found this post that I wrote when I first started thinking about a Model 60.  After much thought, I talked myself out of the original gun that I saw.  Actually, I got distracted by a Sears 30-30 lever action (a Winchester 1894 with a Sears name on it).  It's a nice gun in great shape but will probably spend most of its time in the closet; ammo is too pricey.

Anyway, back to the Model 60.  Once the bug bites it never really goes away until satisfied.  The other day I saw another Model 60 at the same store.  This one had a Bushnell scope mounted on it and was priced lower than the original.  The condition of the metal is not as good as the first one that attracted me, but the stock is in a little better shape.  This one was made in 1986 according to the serial number and also has the 22" barrel.  I fired a few rounds at their range and decided that this will definitely be a fun gun.  So, it came home with me.  

The salesman recommended a product called Flix (spelling?) to use on the metal; anyone know about this.  Also, the gun needs a good cleaning.  I seem to remember reading somewhere that some folks avoid cleaning their semi-autos and claim that the function is not degraded.  I have also read on this forum that the Model 60 must be kept clean and lightly lubed for best results.  It seems to me that a clean and lightly lubed gun will work best, but there were no malfunctions in the 15 or so test rounds that I fired at their range.  So, I don't want to create a problem where none exists.  What do you think?

JR

[Nightrain52]

It has been my experience with my 60s that the action should be cleaned about every 500 to 750 rds. I have just gotten in the habit of doing it this way. For some reason the 60s seem to like a clean action to work reliably. I remove the action and barrel from the stock and spray out the action with brake or carb cleaner in the spray can. You should see some of the dirty junk that this stuff removes. Very lightly oil the moving parts and re-assemble. Be sure to remove the action from the stock because the cleaner will eat the finish off of it and it will also eat plastic. Do this outside in a well ventilated area. Maybe I am just lucky but I haven't had any jamming issues with any of the ones I have had but I also try to keep them fairly clean.

[rangerruck]

you have not lived until you have owned several mod 60's  .  the semi auto has been made by more companies, in more qualities,and quantities, and in more grades and configurations, than any other type 22 rifle probably.  you can get the mod 60 new or used, for 80 to 120.    anything lower, is either a great deal or has a lot of hard time and usage.  accuracy is usually very good.  i moly coat all my rifles that i keep, to cut group sizes in half. then you need to test several differdent types of ammo.  But my marlins like all the aguilas, and all the eleys, with a round  here and there of each of the other manufacturers. i got lucky with my last mod 60, it has world class accuracy.  if you go to rimfire central, look up a thread in the marlin posts, called mod 60 pics and stuff.  you will see what mine does at 100  yds.  I got mine at a pawn shop, it had never been fired.  got it for 70 bucks , i think.  More mod 60's and rugers have been made than anything else, so you are likely to see a lot of them, also savage, mossberg, and remington and winchester, have 50yrs of putting out a lot of semi autos.

[rangerruck]

i super duper cleaned my mod 60, then moly coated the action, and bore, then shot out the bbl another 100 rounds or so then moly coated the bore again.  then i don't clean it unless my mind is screaming at me" bad gun owner" and i just have to.  other wise, jsut blow off, wipe off, MAYBE RUN a coulep of patches through te bbl, that's it.  it will work every time you pull the trigger.

[akpls]

This past weekend I pulled out my old beat up Model 60 that had not been shot in about 9 or 10 years and stuck an even older Weaver K6 steel tube on it.  I then took it to the local indoor range, sighted it in and then proceeded to just about shoot out the center of every target I shot at.  I was using CCI "Standard Velocity" ammunition and it fed every single one without a problem.  My son was bummed because the "old man with the old gun" outdid his new Marlin 15Y with the fancy Nikon scope.  That'll teach him!