Marlin Model 983 22 WMR

[TallGrass]

Recently acquired a Model 983.  So far it's a winner but I've only fired a hundred rounds through it.



Any other 983 owners out there? If so, what if any, issues have you run into?

[chad1043]

They have all kinds of problems.... Really is the lemon of the Marlin line. I suggest I take it off your hands...

[TallGrass]

I'll put you at the top of the list chad1043    Thanks for looking out for me!

[locoman]

I just purchased the exact same gun but have not fired it yet.What are you getting the best accuracy with? I like the new checkering, they call it fleur de-lis. I geuss it is a french Marlin LOL- Locoman

[TallGrass]

Sorry I can't offer much regarding ammo yet.  I initially fired about half a box of Winchester DynaPoint 45 gr rounds but knew immediately I didn't care for them as I couldn't shoot anything resembling a reasonable group.  At the time,  that was all I could find locally so I tried a box.  Since then I've read many bad reviews on that ammo and similar reports about grouping or lack of it.

I went to the Federal Game-Shok 50gr JHP rounds and they are shooting well for me.  I'm able to get pretty consistent 1-1.5 " groups at 100 yards off a table and lead shot bags for a rest.  We have a growing coyote population here.  The max shot in the open field behind my house is right at 100 yards and I think the 22 WMR will do the job.

My wife has run into three of them so far while out walking the dogs on the property and asked me to teach her to shoot a rifle.  The 22 WMR was a nice rifle to get her involved without subjecting her to any significant recoil.  She has learned quickly and can shoot a 3-4 inch group at 100 yards already. I keep a Browning A-Bolt in 243 WSSM handy by the door as a backup, but it's not a rifle she will shoot.....

It was all the reason I needed to buy another Marlin   and I have always enjoyed the 22 WMR round.  The 983 is a sweet rifle.



I have ordered a few boxes of :

Winchester Supreme 22 WMR 34 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point

and

CCI Maxi-Mag HP 40 gr JHP

But haven't shot either of them yet.

I was surprised how hard it was to find 22WMR ammo around here.   I'd appreciate hearing back on your experience with different ammo once you get a few rounds down the barrel.

[locoman]

Tallgrass I bought mine for the same reason, coyotes behind the house. Also because it is a Marlin and with the walnut stock it is a beutiful gun. The trigger gaurd on mine is metal also like the old 783's also. The checkering pattern must be brand new because it is not even in the 2009 catlogue. Anyway I will let you know how it shoots when I can get a scope for it.- Locoman

[levrluvr]

Beautiful rifle- you're going to love it! I used to have a 783, and it's at the top of the 'must find another' list.
The Winchester 34 grain Supremes are a fine round and are very accurate in my 882ss.
You're not going to like the price, but get a box of Remington 33 grain Premier. They are the only hyper gummy tip that my Marlin likes (it rejected both the Hornady and CCI 30 grain rounds as innaccurate).
The Premiers have already swatted a couple of coyotes for me at around the 100 yard mark, DRT.

[locoman]

Thanks Levrluvr you probably saved me some money,  at the least it gave me a place to start.-Locomotiveman

[TallGrass]

Thanks levrluvr,

I'll give those a try as well. 

TallGrass

[Big Shrek]

I'm fond of Federal Game-Shok 50-grain for 'Yotes

[levrluvr]

I'm fond of Federal Game-Shok 50-grain for 'Yotes

They work well too. Don't forget that the original wmr cartridge, the 40 grain Winchester SuperX, is still probably one of the best ever produced.
 

[Y2K]

The 22 Mag. is my favorite round and my 783 my favorite gun. I Think you will  really enjoy your new rifle. My wife has bagged innumerable varmints (coon, possum and skunk) with mine.

[gatorhugger]

I have a 783 like new, one of my favorite guns, and just
got a 883SS yesterday to go with it.
I love the tubefed .22 marlin magnums.
I stick to the cheap Fiocchi ammo for plinking.
It's half the price of the Vmax or Winchester stuff.

Not as flat shooting, I sighted in for 175 yards, so I have a 6 inch drop at 200 yards.
The 33 grain spitzers, have a drop half that size, and is as flat as the .17, but with
twice the energy.
I would save those for hunting and get the $7 a box fiocchi for plinking.

[Two Dogz]

I have an 883SS and would never part with it. One thing though, if you mount Harris type bipod be careful how hard you torque on it because the nut holding the sling mount in is just stamped sheet metal. You can strip it out pretty easily.

Mine really likes Winchester Premium and will shoot clover leafs at 75 yards if I do my part.

Enjoy!

[MarlinGeorge]

I just purchased the exact same gun but have not fired it yet.What are you getting the best accuracy with? I like the new checkering, they call it fleur de-lis. I geuss it is a french Marlin LOL- Locoman

Well, I much prefer this style to the impressed "checking" on my 782.