I just bought a Marlin 917VS last Saturday. I've only had it to the range once. I went with three different brands of ammo, as I heard that they can be real picky on which brand they like.

All three brands I tried (Hornady, Federal, and Remington all 17 grain, all plastic tipped) gave me under 1" at 100yds. (5 shot group)

The Federal's were the tightest group in my gun. The Remington's and Hornady's were tied for second.

All in all, a great gun. I don't think you will be disapointed.