I have a marlin 917vs, great gun the trigger is kinda heavy so i swapped out springs if you would like to know more just ask ill be glad to tell you but its a bit long to type out now. I have simmons Prohunter 4-12x40Ao it works well, Gophers are still kinda small at 150 yards in it. My farthest kill is 155 yards so its still very possible. i find that its a great combo.

heres few pic the groups were shot at 50 yards it will do alot better but these shot during the first 50 rounds they are now tighters but i dont shoot targets. the dimes and empty case was also shot at 50 yards the one dime was shot 3 times.