Marlin Model 60 trigger guard

Hi everyone,
I need some help. I have a tube-feed rifle that I purchased in 1987. A few years ago, I replaced the wood stock with a synthetic one and while mounting the trigger guard, I broke a thin piece of it where the release protrudes. Now, I would like to replace the plastic trigger guard with a metal one. I found one that I think will work from DIP Products Inc. However, there are two listed, one of which states that it is not for "earlier" models but does not define what "earlier" is. The serial number of my rifle denotes manufactured in 1987. Does anyone know if mine is an earlier model?
See the pic for the location where I broke the guard. Also, you can ignore the recoil spring. I did a custom modification to it that eliminates misfeeds and stovepipes as well as adding an extra 10 horsepower to my truck.

 

Look at this first picture in this thread https://www.marlinowners.com/threads/marlin-mod-60-old-style-vs-new-style-trigger-assy.163403/, specifically where the stock is inletted for the trigger guard- yours is the new square style. I would recommend getting the complete trigger guard assembly with their trigger, it'll improve your trigger pull. I'm happy with the DIP trigger guard and trigger on my Model 70.

As you've already found out, it's best to have extra recoils springs on hand too as it's easy for them to slip and get kinked when re-installing them. Unfortunately I'm not aware of anyone making them at this time (since Ruger took over the Marlin name). Also pick up extra buffer if you can find them; they get dry and brittle over time.

Pick up a set of gunsmithing/hollowground screwdrivers too.

 

Thanks for the information! That really helped me out. MCARBO has some upgrade parts for the 60. I put their trigger spring kit in it a while back and that made a big difference. I replaced the buffer when I did the spring kit. I think I got the buffer from Bob's Gun Shop out of Arkansas. www.gun-parts.com
He seems to have quite a few items in stock.
I also ordered two recoil springs from MCARBO, both the high-velocity type. Should help protect the buffer a little bit. I'll see if I can find the screwdrivers, too.

 

I ordered the DIP trigger guard today with the red trigger. I'm hoping it will add a nice touch to it. I also took a good look at the buffer, it is still in great shape. Can't wait to put it back together with the new parts.

 

I'm honestly surprised nobody has started 3D printing the buffers. Not a high profit item, but there are thousands of Marlins out there.

When you take the trigger assembly out you can polish any parts that slide against each other (if they're not already polished from use) and it'll help smooth the action a little. Often the bolt on Marlins could use a little polishing as well, especially the latter models. It's steel but reciprocates in the aluminum receiver so run your finger around inside the receiver and you'll feel any areas that need attention. Use a polishing rouge on a felt bob, nothing with grit in it. Helpful tip- put something down to work on top of or you'll lose at least one of the e-clips. I also polish the feed ramp and chamber while I'm playing gunsmith. Make sure your extractor is in good shape and still has a sharp edge where it catches the shell casing so that you get positive extraction.

While the receiver is out of the stock I'd also inspect the stock to make sure it doesn't have oil damage, far too many people oil their guns, especially .22s, with the receiver still in the stock and the wood ends up absorbing the petroleum based cleaner/oil. They don't have enough recoil to break the stock like say, a shotgun, but it's less than ideal. There are various techniques for removing the oil if needed, otherwise if it's not damaged, you can treat the wood with whatever you prefer.

While there are far more accessories for the 10/22, I prefer the Marlins, both for hunting and general plinking/woods walking. I find them more accurate out of the box and like the way they carry better.

 

It's funny you happened to mentioned 3d printing the buffers.....I was already thinking about that.
I've polished the rubbing surfaces and ramp with a felt bob a couple of times over the years. Every part that slides against something is smooth and shiny. I'll have to take a close look at the extractor. I'm using the synthetic stock so no worries about oil or other issues. I still prefer the look and feel of wood, though. I ordered a new style firing pin a couple of weeks ago from bob's gun shop but haven't received it or gotten a call from them if there were problems. I purchased from them before with no problems, so I wonder if something is going on. I'll give it another week.