Featured Gun: The Marlin model 70P "Papoose"

The story of the Marlin model 70P begins with its older brother the model 60.
The Marlin model 60 is a staple of the gun industry, perhaps the best selling .22 rifle of all time. I would venture to guess somewhere near 12 million of the rifles have been produced since its introduction in 1960.
The Model 60 is a redesigned and more affordable version of the model 99 that debuted a year earlier.
The model 60 has a tubular under barrel magazine that held 18 (now holds 15) rounds. For more info on the model 60 see my write up here.

In 1967 Marlin introduced the model 70, it had a shorter, 16" barrel and a detachable box magazine.

Then in 1986 Marlin added a new model by converted the model 70 to a take down model by modifying the receiver, barrel and bolt assembly.

The rifles model number is the 70P, the "P" standing for "Papoose".

For those interested Papoose is a Narragansett (Native American tribe from the Rhode Island area) word for small child, also used to describe the back pack that the Native American children were often carried in.

Note in the ad below Marlin calls their aluminum receiver "rust proof".....creative marketing...

Originally the rifles came with a "walnut finished" (Marlin called it "Marshield") hardwood stock and blued or parkerized barrel and black painted receiver. Introductory MSRP was $144.95, $30 higher than a standard model 70.

The rifle came with 7 round box magazines, with factory 10 rounders being available.

Early on Marlin offered high capacity magazines, they were made by Ramline and brand labeled for Marlin. Both 15 and 25 round units were available.

Ramline Magazines are no longer available, but Champion sells similar units

And Pro-Mag makes these plastic 25 rounders

The newer models (now called the model 70PSS) have stainless steel barrels and parts, clear coated aluminum receiver and plastic composite stocks. They also changed the color of the carry case from red to blue.

Specs:
Action: Semi-automatic blow-back operation
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle only
Weight: 3.75 lbs
Length: 35 1/4" when assembled
Barrel length: 16 1/4"
Barrel rifling: 1:16 RH twist, Marlin Micro-Groove rifling
Sights: Open 
Magazine: 7 round detachable box (blued or nickel plated)  

To achieve the removeable barrel, Marlin installed a threaded steel sleeve where the model 70's barrel would go, you can see it in the parts diagram above, part # 49

The bolt was given an extension on the breech end. Here it is next to a standard model 60 bolt.

I acquired this model 70P a while back, it has a unique aftermarket sock.

We'll finish out this post with some customized model 70Ps