Found a Marlin 60 in the garage, condition unknown

[Chommp]

So, while I was poking around in the garage, I came across a Marlin Model 60 in a soft rifle case.

Now, I was actually in the market for a .22LR because I'm just getting into guns and needed something to plink with and for small game (just got my hunting license too!).

My question is, what should I do with this thing? It definitely doesn't look like it's been taken care of - someone had put duct tape over the trigger guard, (for safety I guess?) and there's some rusting on the barrel. As a gun noob, should I just take it to a gunsmith for an inspection or something? Or should I just do some research, pull it apart and give it a clean?

Thanks!

EDIT: So, some members were rightly concerned about the circumstances of finding a gun, whose garage, whose gun it is, etc.
- I believe it's my father-in-laws gun, and it was in his garage
- My bro-in-law and I discovered it while cleaning out the garage
- We checked it to make sure it was unloaded and gave it a quick inspection
- I have not spoken to my father-in-law yet, but I will before we do anything with it in the way of cleaning/repairing or shooting.

[71MUSTY]

Who's is it? What garage?

Pictures?

[k1dude]

Uh, yeah. Right.

Troll with 3 posts.

[M1NM]

Run a cleaning rod down the bore - give the whole thing a shot of WD40 and go have fun.

[Chommp]

I haven't investigated who owns it just yet, but it may have been my father-in-law's, and it was in his garage. I'm not sure why he had it, nobody on that side of the family seems to be into shooting, with maybe the exception of one of my brothers-in-law. No pics just yet, might be able to take a couple tomorrow.

[Chommp]

Thanks M1NM.

K1dude - everybody was at 3 posts at some point mate.

[pdq_wizzard]

don't use WD-40, its not a lube and will leave crap on the gun.

[Chommp]

don't use WD-40, its not a lube and will leave crap on the gun.

OK cool. I have some Hoppes oil for my Glock so I'm sure that will work. Cheers.

[k1dude]

OK, I'll bite.

How can you not know there's a .22 rifle in the garage unless it isn't your garage?

If you didn't know there was one there, who does it belong to? It isn't yours. Find out who it belongs to and return it.

[Chommp]

OK, I'll bite.

How can you not know there's a .22 rifle in the garage unless it isn't your garage?

If you didn't know there was one there, who does it belong to? It isn't yours. Find out who it belongs to and return it.

I just moved here from Australia. I don't own the house, it's my in-laws place but they don't live here most of the time because they're elderly. Thus they've got 80+ years worth of stuff strewn about everywhere, including a .22 rifle it seems.

As I said earlier, the gun probably belongs to my father-in-law, but since he's VERY old, he's not going to the range anytime soon. And of course, I wouldn't do anything with it without checking with him first, I was trying to find out what I SHOULD do before I see him next.

So how about chilling out a bit? I thought this was a place where people could ask questions about guns.

EDIT: OK in hindsight, I can understand how 'finding a gun' might be alarming without context. Hopefully this post explains said context a bit.

[etwinam]

If you're staying at someone else's house and you find a gun you really should consult with them before doing anything to the gun especially tampering with it in any way.

I would go talk to my father-in-law and get it straightened out, perhaps he can help you clean it and show you how to properly use the gun as well.

If Someone went through my garage just started playing with my guns you best believe there would be a black eye at least involved.

Not trying to bust your balls buddy but you don't just go around messing with someone's guns it's kind of an Unwritten rule.

[G-Man WC]

Welcome Gus.
The 60 is easy to work on. I'd watch a few youtube vid's first.
As previously stated, I'd run a patch down the bore a few times and take it out and shoot it. The 60 can take a beating, but like most semi-auto's it needs to be lubed to run well. Good luck.
As far as chill'n, I'll have a Tooheys and chuck a shrimp on the barbie for ya.
-g

[smak28]

Agree with etwinam. I would ask the in laws first before mucking with it.

[SomeGuy75]

I would recommend a good soak with CLP. Then clean the action and bore with brass brush then swab until clean. Break it down as far as you feel comfortable with. Lots of good videos on this rifle online for details.

Remember you can get a new Marlin 60 for less than 200 bucks, so don't invest too much into it IMO.

I wouldn't do anything to it till you get the ok from your Father-in-law. It could be a fun project to work on with him. Don't underestimate old folks, some of them have mad skills lol. You could clean it up, re-blue it, sand and re-stain the stock...get it looking nice and keep it in the family.

[five.five-six]

First thing Gus, be sure it's not loaded.

WD40 is really good for getting duct tape goo off of it.

Post some pictures of it.