isnt the marlin model 60 pretty comparabvle to the ruger 10/22? it sounds like the marlin model 60's are better out of the box

In my opinion the Marlin isn't better. I much prefer the Ruger, but we all have our opinions.

I think you would be very happy with a Savage 22 mag. target gun. It's got the bull barrel, adjustable trigger, and is EXTREMELY accurate. I am not kidding, I get half dollar size patterns at 100 yards from a bench. And this is with a cheap Bushnell Banner 3 x 9 scope. I don't think you could go wrong with a bolt action, Savage, 22 mag with the bull barrel. I paid $200 for mine.

thats a consideration also. im just get a marlin model 60 and the savage in .22 mag or .22 lr

The marlin is great my dad has had one for over 40 years. I have a Ruger thought that shoots 1"patterns at 50yards off stick all day long.

I have a marlin 60, i'v had it for about 6 years or so now, its pretty accurate and VERY reliable, only time i'v had it jam was when using filthy ammo and not cleaning for extended periods of time. But long as it is cleaned every 250 rounds or so it won't jam. Never has jammed on me when cleaned per the manual.

Since you didn't say what you want to use it for, I'd say get something you can afford and enjoy. I remember shooting Remington's Nylon 66's when I was a kid (they were cheap back then) and I always enjoyed shooting Browning's lever action because it was like a cowboy gun. That Browning lever is very accurate and I recently bought one (they're not cheap either) for nostalgia's sake. I also have a Ruger 10-22 that I want to trick out with a bull barrel, pricey scope, etc. and make a 100-yard groundsquirrel gun that is cheap to shoot but will be expensive to build (go figure).

i want to hunt squirrel, rabbits, coons, crows, starlings, and other small game.
the only thing i dont like about the marlin is that it is tube fed and you have to reload more and it is more difficult to reload

I haven't priced 22's in a while but it would seem like most of the 22's you're thinking about should all be under $200. Maybe you should just splurge a little and buy the one you like best (not a tubular magazine, etc.). After that, you can start buying more and add to your collection.

yeah i know. i have pretty much decided im getting a .22 mag maybe savage or marlin(tube fed is fine with bolt) then ill get a semi auto .22 lt (marlin model 60 or ruger 10/22) no idea what ill get first
if i get the marlin wouldnt it be better to get it now because remington is buying marlin and there guns will be bad?