I have the Marlin .17, blued w/wood stock. I only lightened the trigger (the trigger should at least be cleaned, this will take the jerky or grinding feeling out of it), you can purchase an aftermarket adjustable trigger for around $100. None the less, it is extremely accurate even out to 100 yards. A good friend that shoots with me uses the Savage, it shoots just as well. I went with the Marlin because I felt that the fit and finish were much better than the Savage. Both rifles hold > 1 MOA at 100 yards and @ 50 yards they are real tack drivers. Have fun, sorry to hear about WalMart of Canada.