Hi Folks,

I am thinking of buying a take-down .22 rimfire for general hunting/field bag carry and to add to my BOB if needed.

Does anyone on the Forum have experience with the Marlin Model 70 Papoose .22 rimfire semi-auto rifle? Information concerning accuracy, durability and reliable functioning would be appreciated. I have never owned a Marlin .22 before.

I started out looking at an AR7 (now made by Henry Arms), but many people say that the quality/accuracy/reliablility is not up to the standard of the Marlin. The AR7 does takedown smaller and floats on it's own outside of its case.

Thanks,

Mike

I've owned both my AR-7 was from charter arms though. They both have their pros and cons, but reliability the papoose is the best, but the AR-7 is easier to work on. Once you get them sighted they are about the same. Ease of carry goes to the AR-7 but the wide stock is uncomfortable but it floats. The papoose is comfortable but it dosen't break down as good as the AR-7 and it sinks like a rock. Overall I like the looks of the papoose better too.

Have you thought about a long barrel .22 pistol like on of the Ruger Mk II's or III's or Browning Buckmark. Packs very small and is very accurate with a good red dot or halo sight out to 50 yards or better. With some decent high velocity ammo, CCI Velocitor hollow points, you have a good small game hunter and protection in a relatively small package. You can even wear it in a bandolier type holster that will accommodate the scope.

Hi Saniterra,

I live in Canada, hunting with a handgun is prohibited and it is nearly (almost 100%) impossible to get a handgun carry permit (only a few issued for wildlife (bear) protection for trappers/prospectors/forest surveyors; after alot of Government screening, paperwork and mandatory training).

I like you idea but it is just not feasible for me where I live; that is why I was thinking of a take-down .22 rifle.

Thanks,

Mike

I'm looking at the same two guns and also two from TC. Of the two you mentioned, I’d go with the Marlin. If you can, go and check them out at a gun shop. I thought the AR-7 felt really cheep. The two TCs are the G2 Contender or the Encore. Both of those take down fast and people rave about their accuracy and reliability. Also, you could carry an extra barrel if you wanted or needed more versatility. They are a lot more money though.
Let us know what you decide.
Good Luck.

I have also been looking at the G2 Contender, but they are very expensive. It would be nice if I could fire one on a range before plunking down so much money...

I have both the AR-7 and the Papoose. Both are sufficiently accurate to do the job of foraging and pest removal. I like the feel of the Papoose better, but as stated before it does require a case to float.

If you were going to be taking a canoe or boat trip I'd recommend the AR-7, but if that is not part of the plan the Papoose is the way to go. The case for the Papoose also will hold a fair amount of other "stuff" (including ammo; which the AR-7, beyond it's two magazines, will not).

Actually, I was able to try both the Contender (.17) and the Encore (.223) and that's the reason they are sill on my list. Both felt great. I really like the lite weight and small size of the G2, but the Encore has a much larger verity of barrels including a 12 gage.

Does anyone know if the Marlin 70 Papoose can be scoped?

Mine came with a scope but it was a cheap "22 scope" (small diameter tube). I took it off and am using the ramp sights with good results. A good gunsmith could install a nice peep sight on it (some find this better for accuracy).

With "survival guns" I like to keep things simple, and so far the issue sights are working fine.