Which Marlin to buy?

Outdrsman17 · 11-01-2004, 02:25 PM

Hey,
I am new to this forum. I am in the market for a .22. I would like to make hunting squirrels and rabbits a bit mroe of a challenge instead of using my 20ga. I am looking at the Marlins. I have heard a lot of good things about them and like the way they look. I have a few questions though. I am not sure which to get, a semi or a bolt action. What is the difference between the two? (besides the obvious, one auto loads.) Does the action effect anything such as accuracy? Also, I was thinking about getting either the 7000 which is a semi, or the 980V which is a bolt. They both have heavy target barrels, which I believe is better? I do not need sights on it because I will mount a scope on either gun. Any advice on which to get? I am kind of leaning towards the semi since its about $50 cheaper.
Thanks,
Chris

silentknight · 11-01-2004, 02:51 PM

Welcome to the forum, as for your question I would buy the semi auto simply because I like to have the capabilitl of a quick follow up shot without taking my eye off the target. That being said I'm sure you'll be happy with either

Shaun · 11-01-2004, 03:30 PM

Welcome to G&G nothing beats the marlin Bolt actions they are very close to match quality and are very fast when throwing the bolt

Big Dog · 11-01-2004, 05:27 PM

For meat hunting (Love the tree rats!) I'd go with the bolt-action. If you want to play on the range, the Semi-auto would get the nod. The SA can be pretty accurate (certainly within Minute-of-Squirrel) but the bolt-action is less likely to jam, and is more forgiving of dirt and weather. Practice with it, and it's "One shot, one kill!"

Outdrsman17 · 11-01-2004, 07:35 PM

Alright, so is the bolt worth the extra $50? I guess its sorta up to personal preferance. What about the Heavy Target Barrels. I am paying extra there, is it worth it? What do they do to improve the gun?
Thanks,
Chris

Shaun · 11-02-2004, 10:11 AM

the bolt is definitely worth it a rigid bull barrel and a positive lock to the bolt just means accuracy

Outdrsman17 · 11-02-2004, 03:52 PM

Alright, so basically overall the bolts more accurate. Ok sounds good, looks like I will have to save up a little extra. Is this rifle power enough to take larger game like coons and maybe even yotes?
Thanks,
Chris

Shaun · 11-02-2004, 04:26 PM

racoons just fine -- coyote - plant the round just right and you could take one -- I know people who have harvested deer with 22lr's just have to plant your shot in the right place.

Outdrsman17 · 11-02-2004, 05:12 PM

Awesome. What would be the best load for bigger game such as yotes?
Thanks,
Chris :uzi:

Shaun · 11-02-2004, 05:22 PM

The heaviest cartridge they can sell you I would try to get 40+grain rounds

Big Dog · 11-02-2004, 05:31 PM

At no more than 50-60 yards, the Aguila SSS 60 grainer in the ear would do nicely. Very good "Whompability Factor".

I like mass over sheer velocity. I'm an anachronism . . .

Generally, in rimfires, a good bolt-rifle will have about half the group size of a good semi-auto. I know, there are exceptions - but they are usually pricey too!

Outdrsman17 · 11-02-2004, 06:57 PM

Ok, where would be the ideal place to shoot a yote with a .22lr? Head or heart/lungs?
Thanks Again,
Chris

aceoftrumps · 12-01-2004, 04:51 PM

I have a new Marlin 22WMR....sweet thing. But too big for squirrels. The clip action is smooth with the newer Marlins. Scope equipped.

I have one I bought at a gun show...older Marlin 22LR. Great for squirrels and I use CB longs for it. Less noise and plenty enough power. Also has a scope.

I inherited an old Marlin from my grandpaw. No place to mount scope so I use the peep sight it came with. Very accurate.

Marlins don't like shorts so I use only longs or long rifle.

Ace

Troy · 12-01-2004, 05:21 PM

awright then, question for ya. considering the range of a run of the mill .22 (nothing hot rodded) a decent semi versus a decent bolt action. just how much accuracy would be lost with the semi auto? say at a hundred yards? or if anyone has the experience, at varying yardage then. i understand the bolt being better in the high powered sence. i've often wondered how much differece there was in the .22's.

Thrawn · 12-01-2004, 05:29 PM

Weeellllll, if you want an all around good Marlin, (every thing from bumble bees to bull moose) maybe you should look into their new .450 lever gun.

:cheer:

Oxford · 12-01-2004, 05:58 PM

Thrawn...like you said, double the size, double the pleasure.

But...I believe Outdrsman17 is interested in a .22 from his original comment. I'm gonna look into them, too, at my local Wally World outlet. Everyone should have a .22 rifle in his gun cabinet, or on the gun rack in the back window of his truck. :nod: I've got a .22 revolver but no rifle. Now would be a good time for sure. :nod:

Troy · 12-01-2004, 07:46 PM

hmmmmmmmmmmm, in the back window of my truck, that would be nice.

11-01-2004, 02:25 PM	#1
Outdrsman17 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 13 Trader Rating: (0)	Which Marlin to buy? Hey, I am new to this forum. I am in the market for a .22. I would like to make hunting squirrels and rabbits a bit mroe of a challenge instead of using my 20ga. I am looking at the Marlins. I have heard a lot of good things about them and like the way they look. I have a few questions though. I am not sure which to get, a semi or a bolt action. What is the difference between the two? (besides the obvious, one auto loads.) Does the action effect anything such as accuracy? Also, I was thinking about getting either the 7000 which is a semi, or the 980V which is a bolt. They both have heavy target barrels, which I believe is better? I do not need sights on it because I will mount a scope on either gun. Any advice on which to get? I am kind of leaning towards the semi since its about $50 cheaper. Thanks, Chris

11-01-2004, 02:51 PM	#2
silentknight Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,125 Trader Rating: (0)	Welcome to the forum, as for your question I would buy the semi auto simply because I like to have the capabilitl of a quick follow up shot without taking my eye off the target. That being said I'm sure you'll be happy with either __________________ Sic Vis Pacem Parabellum

11-01-2004, 03:30 PM	#3
Shaun Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 8,585 Trader Rating: (0)	Welcome to G&G nothing beats the marlin Bolt actions they are very close to match quality and are very fast when throwing the bolt __________________ "Homeland Security is the responsibility of an armed citizen" ME http://webpages.charter.net/s.s.v/

11-01-2004, 05:27 PM	#4
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,071 Trader Rating: (0)	For meat hunting (Love the tree rats!) I'd go with the bolt-action. If you want to play on the range, the Semi-auto would get the nod. The SA can be pretty accurate (certainly within Minute-of-Squirrel) but the bolt-action is less likely to jam, and is more forgiving of dirt and weather. Practice with it, and it's "One shot, one kill!" __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

11-02-2004, 10:11 AM	#6
Shaun Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 8,585 Trader Rating: (0)	the bolt is definitely worth it a rigid bull barrel and a positive lock to the bolt just means accuracy __________________ "Homeland Security is the responsibility of an armed citizen" ME http://webpages.charter.net/s.s.v/

11-01-2004, 07:35 PM	#5
Outdrsman17 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 13 Trader Rating: (0)	Alright, so is the bolt worth the extra $50? I guess its sorta up to personal preferance. What about the Heavy Target Barrels. I am paying extra there, is it worth it? What do they do to improve the gun? Thanks, Chris

11-02-2004, 03:52 PM	#7
Outdrsman17 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 13 Trader Rating: (0)	Alright, so basically overall the bolts more accurate. Ok sounds good, looks like I will have to save up a little extra. Is this rifle power enough to take larger game like coons and maybe even yotes? Thanks, Chris

11-02-2004, 04:26 PM	#8
Shaun Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 8,585 Trader Rating: (0)	racoons just fine -- coyote - plant the round just right and you could take one -- I know people who have harvested deer with 22lr's just have to plant your shot in the right place. __________________ "Homeland Security is the responsibility of an armed citizen" ME http://webpages.charter.net/s.s.v/

11-02-2004, 05:12 PM	#9
Outdrsman17 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 13 Trader Rating: (0)	Awesome. What would be the best load for bigger game such as yotes? Thanks, Chris :uzi:

11-02-2004, 05:22 PM	#10
Shaun Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 8,585 Trader Rating: (0)	The heaviest cartridge they can sell you I would try to get 40+grain rounds __________________ "Homeland Security is the responsibility of an armed citizen" ME http://webpages.charter.net/s.s.v/

11-02-2004, 05:31 PM	#11
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,071 Trader Rating: (0)	At no more than 50-60 yards, the Aguila SSS 60 grainer in the ear would do nicely. Very good "Whompability Factor". I like mass over sheer velocity. I'm an anachronism . . . Generally, in rimfires, a good bolt-rifle will have about half the group size of a good semi-auto. I know, there are exceptions - but they are usually pricey too! __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

11-02-2004, 06:57 PM	#12
Outdrsman17 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 13 Trader Rating: (0)	Ok, where would be the ideal place to shoot a yote with a .22lr? Head or heart/lungs? Thanks Again, Chris

12-01-2004, 04:51 PM	#13
aceoftrumps Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Louisiana Posts: 10 Trader Rating: (0)	I have a new Marlin 22WMR....sweet thing. But too big for squirrels. The clip action is smooth with the newer Marlins. Scope equipped. I have one I bought at a gun show...older Marlin 22LR. Great for squirrels and I use CB longs for it. Less noise and plenty enough power. Also has a scope. I inherited an old Marlin from my grandpaw. No place to mount scope so I use the peep sight it came with. Very accurate. Marlins don't like shorts so I use only longs or long rifle. Ace

12-01-2004, 05:21 PM	#14
Troy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Manitoba Canada Posts: 2,502 Trader Rating: (0)	awright then, question for ya. considering the range of a run of the mill .22 (nothing hot rodded) a decent semi versus a decent bolt action. just how much accuracy would be lost with the semi auto? say at a hundred yards? or if anyone has the experience, at varying yardage then. i understand the bolt being better in the high powered sence. i've often wondered how much differece there was in the .22's.

12-01-2004, 05:29 PM	#15
Thrawn Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Okeefenokee Posts: 1,618 Trader Rating: (0)	Weeellllll, if you want an all around good Marlin, (every thing from bumble bees to bull moose) maybe you should look into their new .450 lever gun. :cheer:

12-01-2004, 05:58 PM	#16
Oxford Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gladstone, Missouri Posts: 12,990 Trader Rating: (0)	Thrawn...like you said, double the size, double the pleasure. But...I believe Outdrsman17 is interested in a .22 from his original comment. I'm gonna look into them, too, at my local Wally World outlet. Everyone should have a .22 rifle in his gun cabinet, or on the gun rack in the back window of his truck. :nod: I've got a .22 revolver but no rifle. Now would be a good time for sure. :nod: __________________ "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right".

12-01-2004, 07:46 PM	#17
Troy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Manitoba Canada Posts: 2,502 Trader Rating: (0)	hmmmmmmmmmmm, in the back window of my truck, that would be nice.