Tips On The Marlin 60

I saw this article, "TFB Armorer’s Bench: Commentary on The Marlin Model 60," at The Firearm Blog. The Marlin Model 60 is a semi-auto .22LR rifle that uses an under barrel tube magazine, similar to what you see on lever actions. It was introduced in 1960 and went on to become one of the most successful firearms designs in history in terms of the numbers sold. It originally featured a 17-round magazine but this was reduced in the 1980s to 15 rounds to comply with New Jersey law. The barrel length was also reduced from 22 inches to 19 inches so that the barrel would not extend past the end of the tube magazine.

    The Model 60 was upstaged by Marlin's own Model 70 (which used a detachable box magazine) and the Ruger 10/22, but it is my understanding that it remained popular overseas. Production ceased in 2020 when Ruger acquired Marlin.

    Because the Armorer's Bench column focuses on gun maintenance and repair, the article primarily focuses on common issues with the rifle. Unsurprisingly to me, many of the issues identified by the author have to do with the older style feed throat (the piece that guides the cartridge from the magazine and into the chamber). The older feed throats were of a cast metal, and included as part of the casting the extractor. It was also cast in to halves which were roughly riveted together. The author notes that in most of the older models he's inspected, the ejector had broken off. Also, he notes, the two-pieces of the old style feed throat can separate over time and cause feeding issues.

    These issues are probably why one of my most popular posts is "Replacing the Feed Throat on a Marlin 'Glenfield' Model 60" where I describe replacing a feed throat in an early Model 60 with a modern part. The modern feed throat is a one piece design, and the cast ejector has been replaced looping one tail of the lifter spring around to the top of the feed throat to also serve as the ejector.

    Another issue he describes is the buffer (which is just a plastic piece) cracking or disintegrating with age. I haven't had any issues with mine (cross my fingers). And there are few others.

    Anyway, if you own a Model 60, this is a useful article.