Marlin 60 quality post-Remington?

[bckline]

Does anyone have a new manufacture Marlin 60 made at the Remington plant (serial starting with "RM")? I'm wondering whether the guns are still as reliable and accurate as they used to be, following Remington's takeover and closure of the original CT-based Marlin factory.

Any input, positive or negative, would be very much appreciated.

[bckline]

Let's bump this up one time. I'm really curious whether anyone on these boards has had any experience with a Remington-manufactured Marlin 60.

[Excelsior]

Not to de-rail this thread but have you ever really heard people say "yeah, the newer made ones are better" on forums like this unless a specific design/production problem was solved? Almost seems like a law that people feel they need to denigrate current production.

Unless the Freedom Group actually directed cost reductions of the Model 60 that resulted in design changes, I suspect they are every bit the same product quality since the last substantive design change.

[bckline]

Unfortunately, this time it doesn't seem to be a simple case of the "things were better the old way" mentality.

From what I understand, Cerberus shut down the entire Marlin factory in Connecticut and moved the lever action and rimfire production lines to Kentucky. The equipment that was being used to manufacture old, well-established guns like the Model (19)60 was, understandably, quite old. At least some of this equipment suffered in the move and/or re-setup in Kentucky, because there are tons of horror stories about guns that used to be totally reliable (particularly the lever action models on which Marlin made its name) that now suffer from abominable quality control. Apparently some people still get well-functioning guns, but others get guns that won't even chamber a round, regardless of the manufacturer.

I'm just wondering whether the problems that some of the Marlin/Remington lever guns are having extend to the rimfire production lines.

[stalker]

Unfortunately, this time it doesn't seem to be a simple case of the "things were better the old way" mentality.

From what I understand, Cerberus shut down the entire Marlin factory in Connecticut and moved the lever action and rimfire production lines to Kentucky. The equipment that was being used to manufacture old, well-established guns like the Model (19)60 was, understandably, quite old. At least some of this equipment suffered in the move and/or re-setup in Kentucky, because there are tons of horror stories about guns that used to be totally reliable (particularly the lever action models on which Marlin made its name) that now suffer from abominable quality control. Apparently some people still get well-functioning guns, but others get guns that won't even chamber a round, regardless of the manufacturer.

I'm just wondering whether the problems that some of the Marlin/Remington lever guns are having extend to the rimfire production lines.

I wonder if they took any of their old gunsmiths with them to the new factory? Labor change over issues?

[Excelsior]

I wonder if they took any of their old gunsmiths with them to the new factory? Labor change over issues?

If it took "gunsmiths" to build those rifles then something else was lacking in either the product design or manufacturing process.

I remember reading where Ruger moved their MKx 22 production from CT (or was it NH?) to AZ and the equipment was truly antiques. They said there was no problem with the move but that the museum pieces looked out of place in the Prescott factory.

[Izzy43]

I wonder if they took any of their old gunsmiths with them to the new factory? Labor change over issues?

It is my understanding that the majority of the production employees did not make the move to the new factory. Moving equipment, re-calibrating after the move and new employees can have a negative effect on any production process.

Automobile manufacturing is a good example of this effect when a company produces a new model. New design, new equipment and employees that are producing something for the first time. Always some flaws in the first year or two. Not an apples to oranges comparison but similar problems.

Marlin was making some pretty nice firearms, lets hope Remington can continue that legacy over time. Personally I would not purchase a new Marlin of any kind at this time. I heard that Remington was even apologizing at the last Shot Show for their QC problems. Maybe just a rumor.

[ptgarcia]

My understanding is Remington discarded all the employees at the North Haven plant and sold off the equipment. And the firearms coming out of the Remington plants have been inconsistent to say the least. I bought a Remington made 336 last year that is a good one, but its not perfect. The issue with mine, and these are commonplace, is with the fitment of the wood and the rear sight is canted just a tad. Other issues I've read about are canted front sights, crooked barrel to receiver connection, actions that won't cycle, etc. I suggest if you buy a Remington made Marlin you inspect it carefully before accepting it.

Marlin Owners has lots of information on the subject.

[Excelsior]

It is my understanding that the majority of the production employees did not make the move to the new factory. Moving equipment, re-calibrating after the move and new employees can have a negative effect on any production process.

Automobile manufacturing is a good example of this effect when a company produces a new model. New design, new equipment and employees that are producing something for the first time. Always some flaws in the first year or two. Not an apples to oranges comparison but similar problems.

Marlin was making some pretty nice firearms, lets hope Remington can continue that legacy over time. Personally I would not purchase a new Marlin of any kind at this time. I heard that Remington was even apologizing at the last Shot Show for their QC problems. Maybe just a rumor.

That's not true anymore.

In the old days it would often take the Big 3 a number of years to get a production process sorted-out and even then they were building garbage. Now the process is developed right along with the product. Shipping garbage these days when your competitors aren't is a good way to go out of business.

[JAGACIDA]

I've got a Stainless Model 60 in the basement my wife bought less than year ago Haven't fired it yet. Marlin had customer reps from CT who were just a bit short of rude but they were exceptional in getting problems fixed. I call now and and I get a lady that's from the south and very nice disposition. My Glenfield Marlin 30A 30-30 is much better engineered than 2 recent 1895 purchases.
The Model 60 will get a revamp in the near future, you heard it here first.