A couple of truly vintage plinkers

[North Country Gal]

Yeah, I've been in the plinker mode of late. Picked up this pair of vintage 22 LR plinkers today for $500 total.


The bottom gun, of course is a 10/22, but it's an early 1968 vintage carbine with the original Overton stock. A previous owner messed up the stock a bit (see pic), otherwise I would have payed more. Amazingly, I actually found another Overton carbine stock in much better shape on e-bay this morning at a bargain price, so this will be every nice 10/22 carbide when I'm done. Will be a nice companion to my 10/22 finger groove Sporter of similar vintage.



Now, the top gun is one you don't often see. In fact, this is the first one I've ever seen. Let's take another look, then.


Nope, not a Winchester or a Remington or a Savage. It's a Marlin, a Model 38 pump 22. These were made from 1921 to roughly the end of 1929 with a production run of only about 20,000. It was Marlin's attempt to get into the all steel and walnut pump 22 game and compete with Winchester, Remington and Savage. The Marlin was a bit more expensive, so it never caught on, but there are some experts who consider the Model 38 a cut above the much more famous legendary Winchester 61 pump, thanks to the Model 38s amazing machining and features.

This one also has a bad butt stock, actually much worse shape (see pic), but I took a chance and bought the Marlin, anyway. Believe it or not, got home and was shocked to find a new replacement stock for it at a very reasonable price, too. Must be on a roll.


I'll need a long post to explain how the Marlin is so unique, but more on that later. I did take it out and shot some CCI quiets with it in the backyard and it shot great. More on this one, later.

[RetiredSeabee]

The Northwoods Gun Whisperer strikes again. I need to channel your energy.

[North Country Gal]

Thanks, Seabee. You might have to start calling me the stock whisperer the way I found stocks for both guns on the same day I bought them.

[Vaquero]

Thanks, Seabee. You might have to start calling me the stock whisperer the way I found stocks for both guns on the same day I bought them.

I'll try and remember that...
Nice snag Girl, I'll have to look that ole Marlin up in the Brophy's book. Congrats all around!
Those may be a take down?

RP

[Sir Henry]

Those are two that could have followed me home.

[Travlin]

Very nice purchase for three Ben Franklins. I am sure you know no high speed ammo in the Marlin.

[North Country Gal]

Thanks, folks.

Yeah, the Marlin was made just before HV 22 ammo appeared. I mostly shoot SV and even the lower velocity Quiets, so no problem. .

[BrokenolMarine]

22s are always fun.

[North Country Gal]

Thanks, Seabee. You might have to start calling me the stock whisperer the way I found stocks for both guns on the same day I bought them.

I'll try and remember that...
Nice snag Girl, I'll have to look that ole Marlin up in the Brophy's book. Congrats all around!
Those may be a take down?

RP

It's not only takedown, but you can do it instantly with just your thumb. Really is unique. More on that, later.

[daytime dave]

Congratulations on two great .22 rifles NCG. I never knew about the Marlin.

[BigAl52]

Agree with Marine and Coop for that matter. I’ve always liked 22 but now Im in the 22 part of life. Shooting more 22 than ever

[Hatchdog]

Very nice pair there. Like Vaquero I have Brophy’s book so I’ll take a look at the 38 also. Can’t believe your good fortune on replacement stocks.

[Ernie]

Nice find and shocking that you found both replacement stocks. Congratulations.

[North Country Gal]

Thanks, again, folks.

I'm definitely shooting more rimfire than ever before and loving it. The increasing price of centerfire ammo is part of it, but for me it's mostly about being able to shoot right at home and also the huge number and assortment of rimfire guns made over the years.This Marlin 38 is a case in point. Kind of a kick to be shooting a 100 year old rifle and experiencing the way rifles were made back in those days.

Also, this Marlin has renewed my love of shooting pump rifles. There are so many user advantages to pump rifles over lever guns and bolt guns. If pumps had come along a bit sooner in the old west, I'll bet a lot more people would be shooting pumps these days.

And this Marlin really is such a sweet shooter. The action is very short and very smooth. Just a flick of the wrist needed to work it and the barrel stays right on target for the next shot. Very addicting thing to shoot.