New Marlin XL7 25-06
#1
New Marlin XL7 25-06
Last week I bought a new marlin XL7 that was chambered in 25-06. I bought a Marlin after reading several good reviews about it and its economical pricing. Got it for $280.00 bare, I put a bushnell trophy series on it. I sighted it in with some factory SST rounds and to get a few pieces of bass for it to hand load up.
The fit and finish was better than I expected and the black synthetic stock is very functional in design and layout. The bolt cycled without complication and locked up very securely. The trigger was factory set and I am guessing somewhere around 4 lbs. It breaks clean and the butt pad really absorbs quite a bit of the shock. Very comfortable to shoulder it up. The factory ammo grouped ok for functional use but the hand loads I will work up should really tighten this weapon up. The barrel is crowned and heats up quickly after 4 rounds. The weapon feels good and handles quickly.
The main draw back is the savage style box mag with low rings it loads slow putting shells in it. Not really a big deal. For the $400 I have in it including weapon, scope, and leather sling, I think its a keeper.
The fit and finish was better than I expected and the black synthetic stock is very functional in design and layout. The bolt cycled without complication and locked up very securely. The trigger was factory set and I am guessing somewhere around 4 lbs. It breaks clean and the butt pad really absorbs quite a bit of the shock. Very comfortable to shoulder it up. The factory ammo grouped ok for functional use but the hand loads I will work up should really tighten this weapon up. The barrel is crowned and heats up quickly after 4 rounds. The weapon feels good and handles quickly.
The main draw back is the savage style box mag with low rings it loads slow putting shells in it. Not really a big deal. For the $400 I have in it including weapon, scope, and leather sling, I think its a keeper.
#2
How were the groups with factory ammo? I have been considering trading my Savage 111 .30-06 for a .243 for my wife. (The .30-06 kicks too much for her, but she'll shoot a .22-250 all day, so I figure she shouldn't have too much problem with a 243). Is the trigger adjustable?
Mike
Mike
#3
How were the groups with factory ammo? I have been considering trading my Savage 111 .30-06 for a .243 for my wife. (The .30-06 kicks too much for her, but she'll shoot a .22-250 all day, so I figure she shouldn't have too much problem with a 243). Is the trigger adjustable?
Mike
Mike
The trigger is adjustable but I will not play with it too much untill I get a base round work up then fine tune the weapon. Its fairly light weight also.
#4
Spike
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Shawano Co., WI
Posts: 41
I have seen nothing but positive reviews for these rifles. i am planning to order one in 243 as soon as the funds are available. Looking for something for my first foray into coyote hunting, as well as for deer if I have the opportunity. These rifles have really stacked up well versus the Stevens 200 in comparisons I have read.
#5
Fork Horn
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Southern NH
Posts: 197
I have read multiple threads comparing the Stevens 200 to the Marlin XL7. I own a XL7 in 25-06 and have no regrets for a $298 rifle. I have less than 1" groups going now with dialed in reloads.
2 XL7 attributes stand out over the Stevens 200. The Marlin part tolerances in general seem to be a bit tighter and the trigger is adjustable. The trigger on the Stevens 200 is gross. You put these guns side by side and I would put my money on the Marlin for the trigger aspect alone.
2 XL7 attributes stand out over the Stevens 200. The Marlin part tolerances in general seem to be a bit tighter and the trigger is adjustable. The trigger on the Stevens 200 is gross. You put these guns side by side and I would put my money on the Marlin for the trigger aspect alone.
#6
Typical Buck
Join Date: May 2003
Location:
Posts: 920
Just like the above, the Marlin is a nice solid rifle for under $300. Just took a Leupold Mark 4 off of it for a new 308 Win project I am working with and replaced it with a Nikon Monarch and also decided to do a new paint scheme on the my XL7 today.
Here she is .....
Here she is .....
#8
Typical Buck
Join Date: May 2003
Location:
Posts: 920
Here is a close up so you can see the detail............