I have experience with the Marlin XL-7, and experience with 25-06, but have not shot a Marlin XL-7 in 25-06. The Marlin XL/X'XS model series is an outstanding value in it's category of budget bolt rifles, and performs much better than 1 would expect from a rifle with such a low price point. I've had 2, and bought 1 for a close friend after his firearms was lost, and didn't have anything to hunt with & needed until he could get his collection replaced. In fact, the Marlin X series was in MY opinion, THE best value among the budget bolt category until Ruger came out with the American rifle. Now I prefer the Ruger American but there's nothing wrong with the Marlins, and they still shoot as they did before Ruger came out with the American.

The 25-06 is a fast stepper with a impressively flat trajectory from a non magnum cartridge. I've seen some pretty impressive deer kills with the 25-06. If I was you, I'd grab it and RUN! It's a favorite among Pronghorn hunters due to it's flat trajectory and mild recoil. Any good stripper or mild solvent should remove the paint.