Anyone have a Marlin 983T? I've been staring at my little pile of Academy gift cards thinking I really need a 22 mag rifle.

My dad has the 917VS in 17hmr and he likes it. I shot his and it shoots ok. Seems a little nose heavy with the bull barrel, fairly accurate, but I hate the magazine they put in it. Seems kind of clumsy, with some sharp edges. And without getting into a urination contest, I don't like the 17 as a varmint round (racoons!)

The 983T is basically the same gun, but tube fed in 22 magnum with a standard barrel, about 3/4 of a pound lighter. Anyone shoot one of these? Are they reliable? Don't want a jam-o-matic.

My other option was an H&R Sportster in 22mag, but I don't know if Academy handles those. I already have an H&R (NEF) in 243 and could put another centerfire barrel on it, but I really want rimfire because it cheaper and quieter.

I do have a reloading press and I could reload 22 Hornets, but that's not something I want to do right now.

I've got the Marlin 925 and like it a lot, but I like the 17 HMR better. I agree with you about the magazines, but there is a guy that makes flush-fit ones, which eliminates that problem.

I had the 983 for several years, and once I honed the trigger & did a Pentel pencil trigger job on it, I really liked it. Never had any problems with it. I ended up selling it to my best friend, as he was wanting something more potent than a .22lr for varmints.

I still have the 917, and have to admit that I liked the 983 better, though it has not given me any problems, either.

Might try the following forum.........it's loaded with different threads on just about any rimfime made on this planet, including the Marlin 983 22mags.

rimfirecentral.com