History of the Marlin 60

by Chris Nelson

In 1960, Edward Nichol designed the Marlin Glenfield Model 60 based on the Model 99 platform. The primary enhancements in the Model 60 compared to the Model 99 included the shift from steel to brass inner tubes in the tubular magazine to prevent rust. Additionally, the Model 60 was grooved for tip-off scope mounts and had a different wood stock. Initial models had “Marlin Model 60G” ("G" signifying Glenfield) stamped on the barrel, which was later changed to “Marlin Glenfield Model 60” in the late 1960s.

A notable feature of the Marlin Model 60 is its 22-inch grooved and rifled barrel. It employed Marlin’s patented Micro-Groove rifling technology, providing the Model 60 with an accuracy edge over other rimfire rifles. The Micro-Groove system minimally impacts the bullet's form as it moves through the barrel, unlike competitors with deeper rifling grooves.

Over 11 million units of the Marlin Glenfield Model 60 have been produced since its inception.

In 1967, Marlin released the Glenfield Model 70, similar to the Model 60 but using a box magazine. In 1976, the Model 60's front sight was updated, and a compression ring was added to the magazine tube end. By 1983, Marlin removed the Glenfield label, the barrel band, and stock-checkering. The Model 60 maintained its fundamental design for 25 years. In 1985, a "last shot" hold-open feature was introduced, retaining the bolt partially open after ejecting the final round. This model did not originally include a bolt release; the bolt had to be manually adjusted. Later, in the 1980s, legislation mandated a reduction of the 18-round tubular magazine to 15 rounds in line with New Jersey's firearm laws. In 1999, the barrel length decreased from 22 inches to 19 inches, and there were various modifications to parts over time.

Marlin Model 60 Specs:

• Caliber: .22LR
• Magazine: 14 Round Tubular Magazine
• Action: Semi-Automatic, Side Ejection, Last Shot Bolt Hold Open
• Barrel: 19" with Micro-Groove Rifling
• Barrel Twist: 1 : 16 Right Hand Twist
• Sights: Adjustable Open Rear Sights, Ramp Front Sight, Receiver Grooved for Scope Mount
• Overall Length: 37.5"
• Trigger Pull: Can be 3.75lbs with the M*CARBO Marlin 60 Trigger Spring Kit

The Model 60 Variants:

• Model 60: Basic rifle
• Model 60C: Camouflage version
• Model 60SN: Black fiberglass stock
• Model 60SB: Weather-proof stainless steel
• Model 60DL: Monte Carlo walnut stock
• Model 60SS: Nickel-plated, stainless steel with a grey/black laminate stock
• Model 60SSK: Nickel-plated, stainless steel with black fiberglass stock
• Model 60S-CF: Nickel-plated, stainless steel with a black carbon-fiber-patterned stock
• Model 60DLX: Commemorative 50th-anniversary version with a premium walnut stock and gold roll marks.

Marlin 60 Date of Manufacture Chart / Marlin 795 Date of Manufacture Chart