Marlin Levermatic

[CZU]

I thought that I was pretty well informed when it came to the older pistols, rifles and shotguns. Now I have found a second rimfire in so many months that I don't ever recall reading about or seeing firsthand. The first was the Savage Model 19 and a few days ago this Marlin Levermatic model 57M in 22 mag showed up at the same lgs. It came with a brand of scope that I can absolutely find no info on at all.

Back to the rifle, it is all steel and walnut except for the aluminum trigger. Lever action with a 1.5 inch throw, 24" barrel with the Marlin microgroove rifling. This one was probably made in '59-60 because of the early stock and no grip cap. From what I have read, Marlin actually beat Winchester in chambering the new at the time 22 WMR cartridge in this rifle.

A short read on these rifles can be found here:

Malloy - Marlin Levermatic

 

[Rpg]

Thanks for the post.

I was unaware of this rifle.

 

[Hang-Fire Hank]

DARN NICE !

Boy, CZU, you have a beauty there! Looks perfect. Nice wood & blueing. I used to own a clip-fed Model 56, but found the balance to be too far back. I figure w/the added weight of the loaded tube, the 57 should be just right. I'd love to find one (at a reasonable price), but no luck. Those on GB have been too high. Oops, meant to mention I'm not interested in the 57M mag cartridge version. Want a S-L-LR. Ah, well.... Hope you enjoy yours'!

Hank M.

 

[Old Corp]

Can recall seeing that model and a similar Marlin when I worked at an LGS in the 70's. The centerfire versions were in .256 Win. and .30 Carbine.
Not good sellers then, but would be worth considerable now.

 

[Fishinfool]

Nice find. When I was a kid, a buddy of mine from Ohio had one. I really liked it, but could never get him to do a trade. You don't see them that often.

Larry

 

[Trooperdan]

Can recall seeing that model and a similar Marlin when I worked at an LGS in the 70's. The centerfire versions were in .256 Win. and .30 Carbine.
Not good sellers then, but would be worth considerable now.

I have one of each of these, model 62 I believe. The .256 is big fun, the .30C less so but interesting.

 

[amazingflapjack]

never heard or saw anything like this-that's when the real Marlin was made.

 

[Frank46]

I had one of the 62's that was made in 30 M1 carbine. Would not chamber surplus M1 carbine ammunition as made by Lake City. Sent it back to Marlin and they sent it back to me with no explanation. Called them up as asked to speak to someone in customers service. They pulled up the repair request and that the firearm had been checked with factory ammo and had no problems. I tried just about every type of factory ammo but none of them would fully chamber. Sold it soon after. Frank

 

[ko41]

Congrats on your find of the Marlin 57M. They are a fine shooting, quick levering full size rifle. I like rimfire rifles from the 40's, 50's and 60's with their walnut stocks and blue steel.

My 57M is a later version.



KO

 

[CZU]

I have one of each of these, model 62 I believe. The .256 is big fun, the .30C less so but interesting.

I would like to find the M62 in 256WM, I'll bet that it would be fun. Only problem is availability of ammo.

I had one of the 62's that was made in 30 M1 carbine. Would not chamber surplus M1 carbine ammunition as made by Lake City. Sent it back to Marlin and they sent it back to me with no explanation. Called them up as asked to speak to someone in customers service. They pulled up the repair request and that the firearm had been checked with factory ammo and had no problems. I tried just about every type of factory ammo but none of them would fully chamber. Sold it soon after. Frank

Sorry 'bout the rifle, maybe it was a lemon to begin with.

Congrats on your find of the Marlin 57M. They are a fine shooting, quick levering full size rifle. I like rimfire rifles from the 40's, 50's and 60's with their walnut stocks and blue steel.

My 57M is a later version.KO

I tried it out this past weekend and have to say that I was impressed. 5 shots rapid fire off hand at 35-40 yds and hit the 1 qt oil bottle every time. These rifles are sleepers and I will BOTL for the 22 lr version.

BTW, this one of the few that didn't get the 57M designation. I lucked out all around on this one, just wish I could find some info on the scope.

 

[mauser9]

Think you did very well finding one in this superb condition. Very well built and like the 22 mag over the L.R. for varmint shooting. Thanks for sharing

 

[Gunhacker]

I wonder if that's where Ruger got the notion from, for their lever action Model 96 series? Striking resemblance with the Marlin 56 .22LR...

Had only heard of the Levermatics... had not seen one before, more fuel for my 'Marlinitis" fire.

 

[holo]

very nice find, I grabbed a camp 9 last weekend at a flea market and thought i hit the lotto. You have a nice rifle there indeed.

 

[6.5swedeforelk]

CZU...ya got me to join this forum with mention of one of my trapline rifles, the Marlin 62 in 256 mag.

I saw little use for the factory 60gr hp loads.
The 87gr, as used in the 25-20, was surprisingly effective on game.
With Herters (remember them?) dies and checked hard casts loaded way down, that was used a lot for fur bearers.

Here's a pic of the ammo with a 6.5 swede for size.

 

[6.5swedeforelk]

Just noticed that they got me in
the US army.


I'll just bask in the glory for a bit...



then change my canadian enlistment profile.

 

[CZU]

I wonder if that's where Ruger got the notion from, for their lever action Model 96 series? Striking resemblance with the Marlin 56 .22LR...

That very may well be, Winchester may have done the same thing with their model 250.

very nice find, I grabbed a camp 9 last weekend at a flea market and thought i hit the lotto. You have a nice rifle there indeed.

I always wanted one of those, they are somewhat hard to find now. People get 'em and don't let them go.

CZU...ya got me to join this forum with mention of one of my trapline rifles, the Marlin 62 in 256 mag.

I saw little use for the factory 60gr hp loads.
The 87gr, as used in the 25-20, was surprisingly effective on game.
With Herters (remember them?) dies and checked hard casts loaded way down, that was used a lot for fur bearers.

Here's a pic of the ammo with a 6.5 swede for size.

Welcome to the forum, there is a lot of expertise here and not only on S&W's.

I would like a M62 in 256, I stopped reloading years ago but getting one in 256 would be a good reason to start again.

 

[ralph7]

I always wanted one of those, they are somewhat hard to find now. People get 'em and don't let them go.

Yep, and you ain't gettin' mine, either!
I'd like to see what your new to you Marlin will do at 50 yards, bench rested. Please post the results if and when you do. I'm betting around an inch.

 

[2152hq]

The centerfire Levermatics were supposed to include the 22Jet & 357 caliber2. I think they were cataloged, but if any were ever shipped it was only a handfull as no more than that were ever put together.
I saw one 22Jet Levermatic in the R&D when I worked there.

Also Marlin goofed up in late '68, early '69.
They didn't ser# the centerfire Levermatics coming off the line for a time.

Though early production RF Levermatics were #'d, they had stopped ser#'g them. All very legal
In late '68, they were supposed to start #'g all caliber rifles because of the new law,,both the RF and the new centerfire Mod62;s.
They didn't ser# the Model62 for about the first 4K production after the law was in effect.
A recall was in effect for the rifles (a BATF assigned ser# would be stamped on the rifle and returned to the owner). AFAIK, the recall is still in effect. Remington probably owns that 'problem' when they bought Marlin.
I only remember 1 rifle coming in for the recall when I was there.

Most people liked the Rf versions. If anything was complained about it was the aluminum rec'vr on the 22Rf version.
Since the bolt locks into the frame, the alloy rec'vr can do the job for the 22RF, but does wear easily if not kept clean and lubed.

Lots of complaints about the 30Carbine and Milsurp ammo.

The rifle was not a Marlin design,,it was a copy of Kessler Arms Co 'LeverMatic Shotgun'.
Kessler went backrupt and sold all it's parts and complete & incomplete guns to Numrich.
Marlin got Kessler LeverMatic guns, parts and what ever else it could from Numrich for lookin' at and engineering study.
I don't know if they had to pay anyone for licensing or some sort of patent rights to make the Marlin version.