I have an X7, with the stock factory peep sights, and it is a WONDERFUL carry and stalk gun. Killed my first deer with it (1st with that gun that is) last year at about 90 yds I think it was.

Unless you plan to shoot full max charge and care about 6 inches extra drop at 300 yards, don't let the barrel length bother you. If you're worried about that, you're looking at the wrong gun anyways!

It is a WONDERFUL gun and of much better quality (stock etc) than the Z5. For the ML hunter shooting average ranges, the X7 is outstanding.