You (Homers Brother) make very good points about questionning what is long range. Living in the Northeast, long range "ain't that far" - - LOL! I have honestly never taken a shot over 100 yds either in the field or at a range. While I may not be compelled to replace the Marlin, if it sells, I will have sufficient funds to purchase another firearm (I've sold a number of other firearm related items toward this same cause). I'm leaning toward a Winchester Model 70 if the gun sells (hey, there's another thread if I ever saw one ) OR a Marlin XL7C if I pull the trigger before it sells. Given everything I've heard above, I see no downside to the 30-06 and that was the point of this thread.

Thanks to everyone for your input!