direct comparison: Marlin Papoose Vs. Ruger 10/22 Takedown

[Duke G]

Hi all,

So I have decided one of my first guns should be a .22LR and I really like the idea of takedown style survival rifles that are super light and easy to take backpacking, hiking, etc. I have decided through the research that I've done so far that some models such as AR-7 and Norinco Backpacker aren't great and what I want. I can say that I'm looking to use it both as a learner rifle, target practice and potential survival rifle when I'm out and about.

So I've narrowed it down to either the Marlin Papoose or the Ruger 10/22 Takedown. What are everyone's opinions on the two? Which one would you go for?

cheers,

 

[pavmentsurfer]

From what ive read in my own research on the topic, the Ruger has a superior barrel attachment system that ensures better return to zero on re-assebly. It appears that they both break down to nearly the same size. The ruger has more accessories available and they are more common/easier to come by. My 10/22 has been a tank so far. I trust it so thats the route id go.

 

[Duke G]

Have you by chance shot both of them? i'm curious about accuracy, reliability, etc also?

 

[Timbertec]

had a Marlin Papoose ... left it with the ex wife.... hated it that much!

 

[jjohnwm]

I had one as well...and loved it. Far more accurate out-of-the-box than any of the stock 10/22's I've had over the years (6 or 7). You had to try to tighten the barrel the same way each time you reassembled it to avoid a wandering zero. I wish I still had it.

 

[buffdog]

.
Years ago,I bought one of the Norinco copies of the Browning semi-auto .22 rifle. It has a takedown feature, and has proven to be very accurate. If it were not, it would be gone, instead of sitting in my gun locker right now.

These are still available for under $200 right now. a Browning scope mount will fit on it if you want to mount a scope.
.

 

[Duke G]

interesting... I'm starting to see that people prefer the 10/22.

Timbertec, why did you hate it so much?

 

[.22LRGUY]

OK~biases right up front~I don't care for 10/22s, or for anything I rely on....being in more pieces than it needs to be. Reading your thread starter, it sounds as though you haven't handled any of the guns in question..is that the case?

As a very full-sized guy, I find the Norinco backpacker and rifles like the Marlin 795 to be very compact, light, and well-suited to backpacking or bushwhacking~I use both rifles for that very purpose. Having done a crap load OF backpacking when I was a younger man, every ounce feels like an extra pound by the time you hit about the 2 mile mark. Agony by the time you hit the 10 mile+ threshold. My point being this~carrying anything...especially a gun...that you know you're not going to likely use makes no sense to me. If you know you ARE planning on using it, why get a knock-down gun? The most accurate semi .22 I've ever shot is my 795, and it's a featherweight of a gun, and quite small. I can't imagine a better choice. If it has a downside, it's the quality of the stock iron sights. If you want to keep away from a scope, you could put Tech Sights on.

The backpacker is equally guilty of having crappy sights, but a compact scope takes care of that for me. This thing is my weekly companion from about Oct.-April.

If an even tinier, lighter gun is required, look at the Savage Rascal bolt action...positively tiny, but accurate as all get-out.

Anyhow, just a few other ideas that don't speak at all to the two rifles you asked about. Look-up the CZ scout as well, only you'd be getting decent iron sights with a gun like that.

 

[mikeystew]

I had a papoose and currently own a scout, the sights on the papoose were better than the scouts. But in the end I preferred a blued steel and wood bolt action for a backpacker rifle. The papoose was 100% reliable, insanely accurate, and very light and handy mind you. I sometimes wish I hadn't sold it. It just wasn't my cup of tea in the end. Like .22LRGUY I prefer my guns to remain in one piece.

I have no experience with the 10/22 takedown. But i don't like 10/22's to begin with. Only accurate (affordably accurate) guns interest me, and I've never had the urge to drop a bunch of money in replacement "upgrades" into a semi auto rimfire to make it accurate and reliable.

 

[marcjer]

Have a:

1. Marlin pps takdown.
2. Ruger 10/22 takedown
3. Had a norinco ( browning SA22 copy)

The Norinco was accurate, but had loose parts and would sometimes jam and fail to feed. ( I took it down and cleaned out the cosmoline.. great design but
The quality of the specimen I had was just not there). I returned it to South Frontenac.
Those guys were really classy and traded me back for much needed ammo.

I kept the other 2. This is my personal findings, yours may be different.

Papoose:
advantage: lighter,significantly more accurate
disadvantage: not enough forestock realestate to grip, longer to put together,
harder to hold zero with a scope.

Ruger TD:
advantage: more robust, full sized, quick and easy to takedown.
Disadvantages: not very accurate, heavier, more expensive, no last round hold open.


One last disadvantage of the Ruger is that crappy bolt release!!!
Dremeled it so the bolt would auto release.

The major advantage of the Ruger is the accessories and ease of modification.
You can take the entire trigger assembly apart and put back no prob. It's a gun
that's intuitive and easy to work on.


If I were back packing , I think I'd choose the Marlin.
If I were plinking, perhaps the Ruger.

 

[Timbertec]

interesting... I'm starting to see that people prefer the 10/22.

Timbertec, why did you hate it so much?

Just felt so wrong...

Sure it was a good little gun, but the barrel in the hand, the "Fit" of the rifle - was off

 

[mikeystew]

Have a:

1. Marlin pps takdown.
2. Ruger 10/22 takedown
3. Had a norinco ( browning SA22 copy)

The Norinco was accurate, but had loose parts and would sometimes jam and fail to feed. ( I took it down and cleaned out the cosmoline.. great design but
The quality of the specimen I had was just not there). I returned it to South Frontenac.
Those guys were really classy and traded me back for much needed ammo.

I kept the other 2. This is my personal findings, yours may be different.

Papoose:
advantage: lighter,significantly more accurate
disadvantage: not enough forestock realestate to grip, longer to put together,
harder to hold zero with a scope.

Ruger TD:
advantage: more robust, full sized, quick and easy to takedown.
Disadvantages: not very accurate, heavier, more expensive, no last round hold open.


One last disadvantage of the Ruger is that crappy bolt release!!!
Dremeled it so the bolt would auto release.

The major advantage of the Ruger is the accessories and ease of modification.
You can take the entire trigger assembly apart and put back no prob. It's a gun
that's intuitive and easy to work on.


If I were back packing , I think I'd choose the Marlin.
If I were plinking, perhaps the Ruger.

Interesting assessment. So in other words, the 10/22 takedown offers little advantage over a standard 10/22?

Considering these are both "backpacking" type rifles which are promoted to be broken down for easy packing in and out of the bush, I'd say this is further proof the papoose is better "for that purpose". Besides the fact that it's significantly more accurate than the ruger, which mind you, doesn't seem to bother 10/22 fans anyhow.

I guess practicality is a less desirable trait than style these days. Sign of the times?

 

[marcjer]

Hi Mike.

Yeah. I agree with your assessment, although I respect that
every one is entitled to their point of view.
For practical reasons such as back packing, I'd choose the stock Marlin pps over the 10/22 TD.-> Lighter & more accurate. ( The previous owner also did a great job in improving the Marlin's Trigger )

I do see the appeal of the 10/22 from the "tailor the gun to for you" type of appeal.
I've moded mine with a number of 10/22 accessories, but for me, it is more of a fun gun with bells and whistles.

 

[TDC]

Hi all,

So I have decided one of my first guns should be a .22LR and I really like the idea of takedown style survival rifles that are super light and easy to take backpacking, hiking, etc. I have decided through the research that I've done so far that some models such as AR-7 and Norinco Backpacker aren't great and what I want. I can say that I'm looking to use it both as a learner rifle, target practice and potential survival rifle when I'm out and about.

So I've narrowed it down to either the Marlin Papoose or the Ruger 10/22 Takedown. What are everyone's opinions on the two? Which one would you go for?

cheers,

What kind of accuracy are you looking for? Are you going to run irons only or optics as well?

From what ive read in my own research on the topic, the Ruger has a superior barrel attachment system that ensures better return to zero on re-assebly. It appears that they both break down to nearly the same size. The ruger has more accessories available and they are more common/easier to come by. My 10/22 has been a tank so far. I trust it so thats the route id go.

I agree ^^^^

had a Marlin Papoose ... left it with the ex wife.... hated it that much!

I'm confused, hated the rifle or the ex or both??

I had one as well...and loved it. Far more accurate out-of-the-box than any of the stock 10/22's I've had over the years (6 or 7). You had to try to tighten the barrel the same way each time you reassembled it to avoid a wandering zero. I wish I still had it.

Clean from the muzzle or drill the cleaning hole in the back of the receiver. I've been cleaning my 10/22 for over ten years from the muzzle and accuracy hasn't changed.

Have a:

1. Marlin pps takdown.
2. Ruger 10/22 takedown
3. Had a norinco ( browning SA22 copy)

The Norinco was accurate, but had loose parts and would sometimes jam and fail to feed. ( I took it down and cleaned out the cosmoline.. great design but
The quality of the specimen I had was just not there). I returned it to South Frontenac.
Those guys were really classy and traded me back for much needed ammo.

I kept the other 2. This is my personal findings, yours may be different.

Papoose:
advantage: lighter,significantly more accurate
disadvantage: not enough forestock realestate to grip, longer to put together,
harder to hold zero with a scope.

Ruger TD:
advantage: more robust, full sized, quick and easy to takedown.
Disadvantages: not very accurate, heavier, more expensive, no last round hold open.


One last disadvantage of the Ruger is that crappy bolt release!!!
Dremeled it so the bolt would auto release.

The major advantage of the Ruger is the accessories and ease of modification.
You can take the entire trigger assembly apart and put back no prob. It's a gun
that's intuitive and easy to work on.


If I were back packing , I think I'd choose the Marlin.
If I were plinking, perhaps the Ruger.

Again, what level of accuracy are people looking for? I have no issues smacking gophers at 100 plus yards offhand and further if I'm supported(with optic). Like most guns, they're far more accurate than 99% of users. In the case of the OP who is new to shooting, the 10/22 will be more than adequate as far as accuracy goes.

Last round hold open is a nice feature but not overly practical on rimfire rifles. As for the bolt release. Why are you using it in the first place? Seeing as how its a manual hold open device, it requires far too much manual manipulation to operate and for no benefit. If the rifle isn't loaded its useless. Keep it loaded and rack the bolt when reloading, its no different than most semi rimfires and some centrefire rifles like the AK.

TDC

ETA: As for the take down feature. Just because you can, doesn't mean you need to. Not a bad feature to have, my only complaint is that replacement or aftermarket barrels for it are non existent as of current.

 

[TJspeller]

Is there any place where a Papoose can be found (in stock.. not "need to order it")

 

[Duke G]

to answer some questions...

I'm a new shooter. I've done some in the past, but not near enough to say i'm accurate or proficient yet.

I do not intend for this particular rifle to have a scope. I'm looking for small, light, backpacking survival, minimalist.

I do not really wish to have to do much modding on the gun either. This poll was designed with stock guns in mind, keeping mods out of the question. I haven't held either of them in my own hands at this point, but i'm 6'2" with long arms so I would think that should be considered in the guns "feel".

Both guns seem to run around the same cost. They are cheap, so perhaps I could even consider buying both and selling the one I prefer the least haha!

 

[blueflash]

ruger is a no brainer better choice IMHO. Just the extra benefits of all of the 25 round mags available is just one reason....then of course, all of the free or cheap mods and the fun of performing them on the ruger is nice also.

p.s. any gun that can have the letters re-aranged in its name to spell POOP is never a good thing (PaPOOse)..

 

[marcjer]

Hi TDC, your preference and opinion of a 10/22 over a PPS is valid.

I'm not challenging it in any way. I felt that I should respond to some of your points though since I was quoted:


YOUR QUOTE:

"As for the bolt release. Why are you using it in the first place? Seeing as how its a manual hold open device, it requires far too much manual manipulation to operate and for no benefit. If the rifle isn't loaded its useless. Keep it loaded and rack the bolt when reloading, its no different than most semi rimfires and some centrefire rifles like the AK."


Perhaps it was just my specific gun, but after reloading, I tried to rack the bolt and it wouldn't shoot forward and close. I had to take apart the trigger assembly,
remove the bolt release "flange" whatever you call it... and change the shape of the hole from a heart shape to more of an "egg shape". ( I probably got this information from some helpful posting here at CGN). Without that modification, it wouldn't "rack".
I had to fiddle to rotate the bolt release tab forward..which is a challenge for my stubby sausage like fingers!

Thanks for your points though.

All the best.

 

[TDC]

Hi TDC, your preference and opinion of a 10/22 over a PPS is valid.

I'm not challenging it in any way. I felt that I should respond to some of your points though since I was quoted:


YOUR QUOTE:

"As for the bolt release. Why are you using it in the first place? Seeing as how its a manual hold open device, it requires far too much manual manipulation to operate and for no benefit. If the rifle isn't loaded its useless. Keep it loaded and rack the bolt when reloading, its no different than most semi rimfires and some centrefire rifles like the AK."


Perhaps it was just my specific gun, but after reloading, I tried to rack the bolt and it wouldn't shoot forward and close. I had to take apart the trigger assembly,
remove the bolt release "flange" whatever you call it... and change the shape of the hole from a heart shape to more of an "egg shape". ( I probably got this information from some helpful posting here at CGN). Without that modification, it wouldn't "rack".
I had to fiddle to rotate the bolt release tab forward..which is a challenge for my stubby sausage like fingers!

Thanks for your points though.

All the best.

That sounds like you're activating the bolt hold open or the trigger group has issues. The bolt hold open is a manual operated device and should not interfere with cycling the bolt in any way if it isn't being activated/touched by the user.

TDC

 

[TDC]

to answer some questions...

I'm a new shooter. I've done some in the past, but not near enough to say i'm accurate or proficient yet.

I do not intend for this particular rifle to have a scope. I'm looking for small, light, backpacking survival, minimalist.

I do not really wish to have to do much modding on the gun either. This poll was designed with stock guns in mind, keeping mods out of the question. I haven't held either of them in my own hands at this point, but i'm 6'2" with long arms so I would think that should be considered in the guns "feel".

Both guns seem to run around the same cost. They are cheap, so perhaps I could even consider buying both and selling the one I prefer the least haha!

ruger is a no brainer better choice IMHO. Just the extra benefits of all of the 25 round mags available is just one reason....then of course, all of the free or cheap mods and the fun of performing them on the ruger is nice also.

p.s. any gun that can have the letters re-aranged in its name to spell POOP is never a good thing (PaPOOse)..

Your reasons for selecting the Ruger over the Marlin are lame at best. Did you not read the OP's posts and his desired requirements? I've bolded it for you even though his intentions were posted just above yours.

TDC