Favorite .22 Rifle and Hangun Plinkers?

[Halo]

(quote) Why in the world didn't you get a marlin instead ? (unquote)

I did buy the Marlin 60 way back earlier in this thread.  I had a Martin bolt action earlier, but generally I underestimated Marlin compared to Browning and Ruger.  

Actually, I also traded my Marlin 981-T bolt action .22 along with the Ruger 10/22 Rifle on the Ruger Single-Six which, ironically, was a gun I've mentioned so often I suppose it was inevitable that I finally would buy one (again, after giving my original Ruger-Six .22 to my son -- this is the convertible, so as some of you have recommended, I finally have a .22 WMR as well).  

The Marlin 60 is wonderful and has become my favorite no fuss no bother all around reliable fun plinker rifle, certainly the most gun for the money I've found.  

I liked the Ruger 10/22 Carbine I had many years ago, but the New 10/22 Ruger Rifle surprised me with its awful bolt release and magazine release and then the feeding problems.

Actually, for design perfection, it's still tough to beat the Browning Semi-
Auto 22, but for the price you can buy two Marlin 60s.

Believe it or not, I think I've bought my last gun ... at least this year.

[Excel1]

When I bought my 10/22 rifle it wasn't my first choice. I wanted a Marlin 7000, but I couldn't find one as they're as rare as hen's teeth here. Out of the box, the bull barrelled 7000 has the reputation of being at least as reliable but more accurate than a stock 10/22.

My 10/22 shoots tight enough and its reliability is ok. Jams with high velocity ammo are rare but I get a few failures to feed using subs with a suppressor, but that’s only because the subs lack the grunt too reliably cycle the bolt.

If I had one gripe with the 10/22 it would be its wandering point of impact, a 1.5" to 2" shift in elevation at 50 yards is pretty normal for my 10/22. It's like a scope that won’t hold zero. I'm pretty sure it's a barrel/bedding problem which is often easy to fix by floating the barrel. But I don’t know how that would work out on the 10/22. Leaving that 20" barrel clear of the woodwork may make things worse by possibly allowing the barrel/ receiver to pivot and rock in the stock on that one take down screw.

[Maverick]

Excell,

You could cut the stock chanel to free float all but the last inch of the stock and barrel. Have it in a slight contact would still stabilize the barrel. If you do modify the stock try sealing the wood so warping is no longer an issue. As the wood swells and warps due to changes of humidity it can change the point of impact for rounds.

[Excel1]

It didn't occur to me to leave the barrel lightly bedded at the forend tip of the stock. It's a good idea and well worth trying. I 'll use marine varnish to seal the barrel channel which should keep the moisture out.

Thanks Mav