I haven't shot the .17 Marlin, but I do have a .22 LR Marlin that I'm not too happy with. I mean, it's a decent all-around gun, but I'm not sold on the "micro-grove" barrel. The accuracy I get is acceptable, but not outstanding. The best ammo I've found only shoots about 1.5" at 50 yards, which for me isn't too hot. My old, beat up Savage can shoot 3/4" groups or better at 50 yards all day long.

When groundhog hunting with my Savage, I always aimed for the head and rarely missed at ranges out to 75 yards or so. With the Marlin, I find myself aiming for the body at anything past 40 yards because I'm not confident of a head shot.