I've never shot a 597 but, I've owned three different Marlin 60s and they were all, shooters. I also have a Rem. model 5 that's a shooter and a keeper!

 

Both are very good rifles. If you like easy field stripping and maintenance then the 597 is for you. With the 597, you also have the ability to change out a few parts with aftermarket parts (not nearly as extensive as ruger).

Both rifles are capable of shooting 1inch at 50 yards out of box.

Yes, there have been some bad barrels. Seems remington had a quality control problem on a few barrel runs. However, they have been great at replacing the bad barrels and getting shooters back up and running.

Honestly, if you can find a stock grey 597, it will perform the same as teh carbon fiber barrel. However, if you just gotta have the thumbhole stock, then go for it :bthumb:

Ftf - if you mean failure to feed, not really. As long as you are using Gen3 mags, you'll have no problems. If you are talking about failure to fire, depends on the ammo. Some bulk ammo has issues due to low powder charge. Most people, including myself have no issues whatsoever.

Either rifle is a win

 

If you're referring to the Tech Target I'd leave it. Rem dropped the QC ball on the barrels for it. Rem isn't giving the carbon look on the replacement barrels.
I know nothing about the new 60s but my old one shoots decent but the trigger is a royal pain to make passable. The 597 is simple to clean and the trigger made light if you have a good eye for the physics of the mechanical aspect of it, or go the VQ hammer for 40$. I prefer mags over tube feeds also, but dats me.

 

IRem isn't giving the carbon look on the replacement barrels.

interesting to know. thanks for the word

 

I like both guns. But if you buy a 597, get a plain grey stocked sporter. Don't like the stock color? Paint it -- easy to do and makes a great "custom" gun. The sporter barreled 597s are solid shooters. Add in a VQ extractor and trigger hammer and have a genuine tackdriver.

 

Timberbeast is right, the sporters are showing to be just as accurate as the hb. I personally dont like the syn stock though.

It all kinda depends on what you want, but I believe EVERYONE should have a model 60.

The 597 has advantages over the 60. I think it is more accurate, I like the twin rail system, you can do something about the trigger.

The model 60 has the tube feed holds about 15 shells.

Both are easy to disassembel and clean.

the marlin has a price advantage

the 597 is a larger feeling rifle.

the marlin comes with a wood stock, and sometimes you can find a SS version.

the 597 can be floated

the marlin is hard to float


So, if I had to pick between the two, I would pick the 597, but the marlin 60 is great too. :bthumb: