Marlin Model 60 Rifle

Beginning shooters often ask, "What gun can I buy that is good for learning to shoot, that won't break my budget and will still be useful (and fun) for years down the road? The Marlin Model 60 is one rifle that has successfully fit that description since 1960 and is still doing so today.

Chambered for the .22 long rifle cartridge (.22 LR), the Marlin Model 60 is perfect for those with limited funds who want to get in on the fun and excitement of the shooting sports. The Model 60 is a semiautomatic rifle, which means that each time the trigger is pulled, the gun is designed to fire a single cartridge, eject the empty cartridge case and chamber the next round. Despite what the evening news might tell you, it is not a machine gun, so holding the trigger down doesn't release a hail of bullets. You must pull the trigger for each shot. The small tube under the barrel is the magazine. It holds fourteen of the long rifle cartridges. For those unused to semiautomatic firearms, I recommend loading only one round of ammunition until the novice understands the function of the gun completely.

Whether for informal plinking at targets or hunting small game, the Model 60 is equally at home. The adjustable rear sight makes the gun useful at different ranges or distances. The Model 60 receiver (the part of the gun that holds the barrel) is grooved for mounting a scope if so desired. While considered an economy grade gun, the Model 60 is not cheaply made as in inferior quality. The gun is quite robust, and lasts for decades with a minimum of care. I've encountered many of these guns in my gunsmithing career that apparently were never cleaned, but were used regularly until the action froze from accumulated gunpowder and lead residue. Usually a good cleaning put these strong guns back into action. For the few that suffered parts failure, an ejector spring or firing pin was the usual culprit. Both problems were quick and easy fixes.

I do not usually advise .22 caliber guns for self defense (bigger caliber guns are better), but a person armed with a Marlin Model 60 is much more prepared than someone with no gun. Fourteen rounds of well placed .22 slugs tend to discourage bad guys, especially when they can visit the unarmed folks down the road.

Unless you're the type of gun owner who never cleans his firearms or who likes to rapid fire guns until the
barrels overheat, you're going to love the Marlin Model 60.

The following resources were used in preparing this article:
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/SelfLoading/60.asp