Just thinking out loud....

[Fushigi Ojisan]

Finally able to post some pictures of the Marlin 99 M1. I've found I've developed a taste for "Midcentury" .22 rifles and this one is certainly interesting. Comments below the images.


Attachment 116423
Barrel Legend indicates this is a Marlin Model 99 M1, a close cousin to the Marlin Model 60


Attachment 116414
This looks like a slip-on front sight, its very substantial but lacks the "ears" of a rear M1 carbine sight


Attachment 116415
If I read the date code correctly, its from August 1964, very early in the production


Attachment 116416
The original rear sight was moved further back along the groove to mimic the carbine, they left the factory with these sights close to the barrel


Attachment 116417
"Pushbutton" safety similar to the M1 carbine


Attachment 116418
The handguard is REALLY nice


Attachment 116422
With its white line and interesting shape, this might be a Bishop stock, not quite sure.


Attachment 116419
Comparison with an M1 carbine: Note the 99M1 has a longer barrel


Attachment 116420
Comparison with an M1 carbine amidships, note the cocking handle on the 99M1 is further up, but the triggers are in approximately the same location. Additionally, unlike the M1 carbine, the pushbutton safety is at the rear of the triggergard rather than the front


Attachment 116421
Comparison with an M1 carbine at the butt. Note the similar profiles, with the 99M1 having a more traditional sling swivel and its trademark bullseye insert.

I wish I knew more about the development and marketing strategy behind it. It seems to be an attempt at an M1 carbine "junior" market, perhaps capitalizing on WWII vet's familiarity with the carbine as well as the then superheated spy/secret agent craze.