Which would you rather have?
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- Senior Levergunner
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Which would you rather have?
So here's the question:
My son (11 years old) has, for his exclusive use, a Marlin Mountie made in 1955. The Marlin has a Williams peep and is in excellent condition. Butter smooth and very accurate.
I have a Browning A Bolt, also in .22, with a Leupold scope.
My son thinks he got the short end of the stick, despite his ability to shoot bread-sized rocks at up to 175 yards with the Marlin, offhand. He thinks he would do better with the scoped Browning.
As experienced shooters, which gun would you rather have? My son will be reading your responses.
Thanks,
P
My son (11 years old) has, for his exclusive use, a Marlin Mountie made in 1955. The Marlin has a Williams peep and is in excellent condition. Butter smooth and very accurate.
I have a Browning A Bolt, also in .22, with a Leupold scope.
My son thinks he got the short end of the stick, despite his ability to shoot bread-sized rocks at up to 175 yards with the Marlin, offhand. He thinks he would do better with the scoped Browning.
As experienced shooters, which gun would you rather have? My son will be reading your responses.
Thanks,
P
We are determined that before the sun sets on this terrible struggle, our flag will be recognized throughout the world as a symbol of freedom on the one hand, of overwhelming power on the other.
General George C. Marshall, 1942
General George C. Marshall, 1942
Re: Which would you rather have?
Scope the Mountie. That should make him happy.
Jeepnik AKA "Old Eyes"
"Go low, go slow and preferably in the dark" The old Sarge (he was maybe 24.
"Freedom is never more that a generation from extinction" Ronald Reagan
"Every man should have at least one good rifle and know how to use it" Dad
"Go low, go slow and preferably in the dark" The old Sarge (he was maybe 24.
"Freedom is never more that a generation from extinction" Ronald Reagan
"Every man should have at least one good rifle and know how to use it" Dad
- AJMD429
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Re: Which would you rather have?
Marlin/Peep - until my eyes are too old and I have to use a scope.
Doctors for Sensible Gun Laws
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Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
Re: Which would you rather have?
For just the Gun, the Mountie. I don't care for a Bolt 22 although I have several. It almost sounds like You would rather have the Bolt or there wouldn't be a squabble. when I read "a piece of bread" I thot well who couldn't hit that but then at 175 yds I doubt I could even see it.
Perry
Perry
Perry in Bangor----++++===Calif
- earlmck
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Re: Which would you rather have?
Oh my gosh! The scope is just an unnecessary lump for a fellow with eyes like that. And the A-bolt doesn't even have a decent lever on it.
No contest here: the Mountie by far.
No contest here: the Mountie by far.
The greatest patriot...
is he who heals the most gullies. Patrick Henry
is he who heals the most gullies. Patrick Henry
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- Senior Levergunner
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Re: Which would you rather have?
Mountie. The Marlin 39 is in my opinion the finest .22 ever made. Yes, there are some that may-- I say may, shoot smaller groups. But it handles great, looks great and has been in production a long, long time!
- gamekeeper
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Re: Which would you rather have?
What's a Browning A Bolt and scope
Whatever you do always give 100%........... unless you are donating blood.
Re: Which would you rather have?
Clearly the combination is working for him!
If he's shooting that well, the scope and bolt
will ony be different - not necessarily an improvement.
He should also consider that not all rifles are made the
same. Even those from the same factory and year can
be different. A Mountie from that era was doubtless
made to higher standards than they are today. And it's broken
in, and it's smooth, and it shoots like a house afire. Whether or
not he realizes it, he's got a good one. Hang onto it!
-Stretch
If he's shooting that well, the scope and bolt
will ony be different - not necessarily an improvement.
He should also consider that not all rifles are made the
same. Even those from the same factory and year can
be different. A Mountie from that era was doubtless
made to higher standards than they are today. And it's broken
in, and it's smooth, and it shoots like a house afire. Whether or
not he realizes it, he's got a good one. Hang onto it!
-Stretch
Re: Which would you rather have?
for me, the Mountie.
For your son- he's going through a phase, let him shoot what he wants.
But don't scope the Mountie.
For your son- he's going through a phase, let him shoot what he wants.
But don't scope the Mountie.
- Old Savage
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Re: Which would you rather have?
Give him both. I love looking through scopes. Peeps look "CLUNKY". Like watching a movie through a key hole.
- gundownunder
- Senior Levergunner
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Re: Which would you rather have?
I would most definitely go the Mountie. I have a 39A with the barrel shortened to 18" and it will put 5 shots into 0.4" all day long with my old eyes and a cheap scope. I'd love to know what it would do with a good scope in the hands of a good shooter. My local lever action rifle club has a 1959, 39A and on the odd occasion when I have shot it it has proven to be capable of shooting A grade scores with any cheap ammo you chuck into it, and that gun has had who knows how many 100,000s of rounds through it. I've never shot an A-bolt but I bet it wouldn't be any better than the Mountie in accuracy, fit and finish, or the way it feels in your hands.
If he feels he got the rough end of the pineapple why not swap, and see if he still feels the same way after giving the A-bolt a fair trial.
If the scope is the issue for him, why not scope the Mountie?
If he feels he got the rough end of the pineapple why not swap, and see if he still feels the same way after giving the A-bolt a fair trial.
If the scope is the issue for him, why not scope the Mountie?
Bob
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Re: Which would you rather have?
As an experienced shooter I prefer the Marlin that I have. My all time favorite rifle.
This is why your son should have BOTH. Because he is not yet an "experienced" shooter. By using the bolt gun he will learn the manual of arms for one of the most common rifle actions. He will learn to shoot with a scope, and that will improve his open sight shooting. And the trigger time will help cement the eye-hand muscle memory, making him a better all-round marksman. He will learn something about inherent accuracy.
If it were me, I would extract a promise that the Mountie never leaves your DNA pool, because it is that special. Bolt guns are a thousand dimes per dozen, or something like that.
Grizz
This is why your son should have BOTH. Because he is not yet an "experienced" shooter. By using the bolt gun he will learn the manual of arms for one of the most common rifle actions. He will learn to shoot with a scope, and that will improve his open sight shooting. And the trigger time will help cement the eye-hand muscle memory, making him a better all-round marksman. He will learn something about inherent accuracy.
If it were me, I would extract a promise that the Mountie never leaves your DNA pool, because it is that special. Bolt guns are a thousand dimes per dozen, or something like that.
Grizz
Re: Which would you rather have?
Scopes are for old, aging, eyes and silhouette shooters.
I know a whole lot about very little and nothing about a whole lot.
Re: Which would you rather have?
Mountie, of course!
"From birth 'til death...we travel between the eternities." -- Print Ritter in Broken Trail
- Borregos
- Advanced Levergunner
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Re: Which would you rather have?
The Mountie
Pete
Sometimes I wonder if it is worthwhile gnawing through the leather straps to get up in the morning..................
Sometimes I wonder if it is worthwhile gnawing through the leather straps to get up in the morning..................
Re: Which would you rather have?
I'd keep the Mountie, but then, I'm older now, and have come to my senses.
Give him the Browning too, but only if he agrees to pay for it. Then he can shoot what he wants.
It's about time for him to move up, anyway - AND GET A JOB to pay for his own shootin' irons ! !
With my son (now 46), it was motorcycles - when he wanted one (at age 12), I said "OK". ( I sucked him right in)
After we went to look at some, and he found one he wanted, I told him he's have to pay for his own.
He went out & got/worked 3 part-time jobs at the same time to get first a dirt bike, then later an Olds 4-4-2 (then multiple cars/bikes, etc - all on his own dime).
I've always liked what some incentive can do to someone.
.
Give him the Browning too, but only if he agrees to pay for it. Then he can shoot what he wants.
It's about time for him to move up, anyway - AND GET A JOB to pay for his own shootin' irons ! !
With my son (now 46), it was motorcycles - when he wanted one (at age 12), I said "OK". ( I sucked him right in)
After we went to look at some, and he found one he wanted, I told him he's have to pay for his own.
He went out & got/worked 3 part-time jobs at the same time to get first a dirt bike, then later an Olds 4-4-2 (then multiple cars/bikes, etc - all on his own dime).
I've always liked what some incentive can do to someone.
.
Re: Which would you rather have?
The Mountie is way cool. It is also shorter and lighter than the A bolt. I won't even mention the shiny finish on the A bolt. You don't need a scope if you have a peep for 22 range.
Re: Which would you rather have?
WOW! I'd certainly rather have 12-15rds on-tap than having to reload a 5rd mag over and over. Plus, the sheer joy and balance of that Mountie. The lever is the superior plinker, for sure.
Re: Which would you rather have?
The dumbest thing I ever did as a kid was trade off my wonderful, fifties Mountie for a Remington Bolt, because, as everyone knows, bolts are more accurate
The Rotten Fruit Always Hits The Ground First
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Proud Life Member Of:
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Second Amendment Foundation
Citizens Committee For The Right To Keep And Bear Arms
DAV
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- Levergunner 3.0
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Re: Which would you rather have?
I'd give him the browning.
Re: Which would you rather have?
I can't even SEE 175 yards without my glasses, so I'd go with the scope, but I'd certainly let him shoot the Browning to remove the mystery. I had a Model 39, and I know I'm in the minority, but didn't care much it...
I went back to my old Marlin Glenfield bolt action for squirrels...it's now the only .22 rifle I own...It is a tack driver.
Give him the Browning and keep the Marlin yourself.
mark
I went back to my old Marlin Glenfield bolt action for squirrels...it's now the only .22 rifle I own...It is a tack driver.
Give him the Browning and keep the Marlin yourself.
mark
The GOP/teabag party - Anti American AND stupid.
Re: Which would you rather have?
I would keep them both for myself and let him find his own.
Honestly I would want the Mounty, my first 22 was a bolt action (Which I bought myself with money I got mugging the paper boy) I was acurate enough but did not have the fun factor of the lever 22 that my buddy Pat had(I think it was a Marlin but can't remember) I tried to talk him into trading a bunch of times but he wouldn't.(Too bad I didn't live dwon the street from Blaine)
Honestly I would want the Mounty, my first 22 was a bolt action (Which I bought myself with money I got mugging the paper boy) I was acurate enough but did not have the fun factor of the lever 22 that my buddy Pat had(I think it was a Marlin but can't remember) I tried to talk him into trading a bunch of times but he wouldn't.(Too bad I didn't live dwon the street from Blaine)
- Griff
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Re: Which would you rather have?
The Mountie!
Griff,
SASS/CMSA #93
NRA Patron
GUSA #93
There is a fine line between hobby & obsession!
AND... I'm over it!!
No I ain't ready, but let's do it anyway!
SASS/CMSA #93
NRA Patron
GUSA #93
There is a fine line between hobby & obsession!
AND... I'm over it!!
No I ain't ready, but let's do it anyway!
Re: Which would you rather have?
Marlin. Learned to shoot on a 39A, been using levers ever since. I own one bolt action.
I Sako Forester in 243, bought it from a guy(more like stole it, one of my better deals) when I was about 16, Dad and I both had deer permits that year, so I needed a gun, this one available. Only year I used it, the next year, bought a Marlin 357mag for deer.
Need to learn to shoot open sights as a youngster, I still would in the timber, but now my eyes, (used to puzzle me why people used scopes for deer, good grief, if you couldn't hit a deer with open sights, shouldn't be shooting guns, but alas, years later I found out why, eyes age!!!!!)
I Sako Forester in 243, bought it from a guy(more like stole it, one of my better deals) when I was about 16, Dad and I both had deer permits that year, so I needed a gun, this one available. Only year I used it, the next year, bought a Marlin 357mag for deer.
Need to learn to shoot open sights as a youngster, I still would in the timber, but now my eyes, (used to puzzle me why people used scopes for deer, good grief, if you couldn't hit a deer with open sights, shouldn't be shooting guns, but alas, years later I found out why, eyes age!!!!!)
Re: Which would you rather have?
Give him the Browning and save the Mountie until he grows up. When he's mature enough, he'll appreciate the difference.
Well done is better than well said.
Re: Which would you rather have?
What jay hawker said
Re: Which would you rather have?
If your son didn't buy the rifle, then in no case can he consider that he got the short end of any stick. Not sure how far he wants to shoot a 22 lr. 175 yards seems far enough. For my taste, the Mountie wins hands down as does the son who has a father that has gifted him such a fine life time firearm.
Mike Johnson,
"Only those who will risk going too far, can possibly find out how far one can go." T.S. Eliot
"Only those who will risk going too far, can possibly find out how far one can go." T.S. Eliot
Re: Which would you rather have?
Now THAT is the most honest and decent reply you could ever get. Your lad is very lucky to have a dad that gifts him a firearm of any description. If I were him, I would be grateful for being given any end of the stick. I would say shoot, enjoy and appreciate the gun your dad gave you while saving up for another that you could ADD to (not replace) your original gun.rjohns94 wrote:If your son didn't buy the rifle, then in no case can he consider that he got the short end of any stick. Not sure how far he wants to shoot a 22 lr. 175 yards seems far enough. For my taste, the Mountie wins hands down as does the son who has a father that has gifted him such a fine life time firearm.
My father is 88yrs old and in poor health. I now know that things he did for me as a youngster are precious and my attitudes at my younger age didn't show enough appreciation for it.
When your lad is in my position and close to loosing his father, he will bitterly regret not still having that first gun his dad gave him and he will bitterly regret not showing full appreciation to his dad for the things he did.
To your son I would say; Enjoy your rifle, it is a fine rifle, it is a rifle that many young men would give their right arm to own. More than anything, it is the first rifle your Dad gave you. That makes it more precious than anything you will ever buy over the counter, it makes it priceless and irreplaceable. When you no longer have your Dad (and there WILL come a time when you won't) you hopefully will still have that precious gift he gave you and a heap of great memories shooting together.
All the best to you both
Bob
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Re: Which would you rather have?
Young Man, some times We just need to Listen to our Parents and Elders even if at the time it doesn't seem very Cool or make sense. the Marlin is a Fine,Classic .22 AMERICAN MADE rifle.keep it, shoot it, and as You get older I bet You Will be glad that You have it.
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Re: Which would you rather have?
For the youngin: Bolt action rimfires are boring as all get out. You want something you can scope save some coin and get a 10/22.
For Pharmseller: He wants the bolt gun, trade him back quick. Then rub in his nose in it till the day you drop (hopefully many many moons from now) and then will it to someone else.
LK
For Pharmseller: He wants the bolt gun, trade him back quick. Then rub in his nose in it till the day you drop (hopefully many many moons from now) and then will it to someone else.
LK
Last edited by L_Kilkenny on Thu Jul 05, 2012 3:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Which would you rather have?
I'd keep the Mountie.
With that being said, I have a similar story. When I was 14 I had to have what I thought was the biggest, baddest, perfect "all around" cartridge. I wanted a .300 Win Mag. to replace my suitable hunting rifle. I wanted a "man" gun. My dad said "ok, but it's on your dime". I paid for it, and soon found out that I would pay for it over and over again at the bench. That gun beat me to death on the bench. I soon wised up, sold it, and got something more sensible. Nothing wrong with a .300 Mag, or a .22 bolt for that matter, but sometimes kids have to learn the hard way. I think he'll get bored with that bolt action real fast. He'll eventually learn that sometimes dad really does know what's best.
With that being said, I have a similar story. When I was 14 I had to have what I thought was the biggest, baddest, perfect "all around" cartridge. I wanted a .300 Win Mag. to replace my suitable hunting rifle. I wanted a "man" gun. My dad said "ok, but it's on your dime". I paid for it, and soon found out that I would pay for it over and over again at the bench. That gun beat me to death on the bench. I soon wised up, sold it, and got something more sensible. Nothing wrong with a .300 Mag, or a .22 bolt for that matter, but sometimes kids have to learn the hard way. I think he'll get bored with that bolt action real fast. He'll eventually learn that sometimes dad really does know what's best.
"If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you; and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen" - Samuel Adams
Re: Which would you rather have?
For me it's the Mountie all the way. For your son, which ever keeps him shooting.
Re: Which would you rather have?
Trade him. Keep the Mountie for yourself. He can have it when you croak. In all the "if you could keep just one" threads you'll see I listed the one as my '53 Mountie.
Kind regards,
Tycer
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Re: Which would you rather have?
I would rather have the Marlin, especially if I could consistently hit a piece of bread at 175 yards. But, I think when I was his age, I would have rather had the scoped bolt action. It sounds as if he is at no disadvantage, shooting like that with the Marlin though.
NRA Life Member
- Ji in Hawaii
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Re: Which would you rather have?
A-Bolt with a 3 year option to trade
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Akā, ʻo ka poʻe hilinaʻi aku iā Iēhova, e ulu hou nō ko lākou ikaika;
E piʻi ʻēheu aku nō lākou i luna, e like me nā ʻaito;
E holo nō lākou, ʻaʻole hoʻi e māloʻeloʻe,
E hele mua nō lākou, ʻaʻole hoʻi e maʻule.
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Akā, ʻo ka poʻe hilinaʻi aku iā Iēhova, e ulu hou nō ko lākou ikaika;
E piʻi ʻēheu aku nō lākou i luna, e like me nā ʻaito;
E holo nō lākou, ʻaʻole hoʻi e māloʻeloʻe,
E hele mua nō lākou, ʻaʻole hoʻi e maʻule.
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