I have a Marlin bolt action .22 mag, from original Marlin before Remlin. Freaking sweet little piece, and a tack driver. Interesting to hear Ruger owns them now.
I have one too, a 783. I love that thing, a real tack driver like you say.
I can never remember the model # offhand. :rolleyes:
It is a 982VS w/stainless bull barrel, black synthetic stock, and detachable mags. Fitted with a cheapo scope.
The only downside is, its basically a bench gun. The bull barrel and hollow synthetic stock make it extremely front heavy.
I bought my dad a Henry .22 levergun a few years back for Christmas. Never tried .22 shorts in it, but it eats up .22lr, low-velocity quiet ammo, and .22 shot shells no problem. It is just the basic rifle, not the golden boy.