Alot of you guys picked the Tikka.......Why?

The Marlin XL7 is NEW !?!?

I have a Tikka T3 and a Marlin XL7.

Both shoot well; however, if given a choice between the two, I like the Tikka more.

Don't know anything about the Marlin, but my T3 lite shoots better than I can. Quarter size groups at a 100 yards with Federal ammo. At 300 yards, I shoot 4 to 5 inch groups cause that's the best I can see in my old days. I love the trigger and I've not had any problems or concerns.

Both have nice followings in the just as good crowd......as do Redfields, I suppose.

To my understanding the xl7 comes with an adjustable trigger similar to savages accutrigger and a bedded stock correct? Its made by big green so im ok with it. Purely conjecture though as i have no personal experience with either

I have looked at both guns, went with a winchester m 70 I got a deal on I couldnt pass up. take a long hard look at the marlin stock and how much flex it has in the forend. it will shoot well from the bench. I have seen it done. but let me ask you this... with a sling around the elbow or any other type of uneven pressure on that flimsy plastic stock it will touch the barrel on one side. then how will it group??? if it were me I'd buy the tikka or plan on a new stock for the marlin asap. just my thoughts they may or may not mean much

I like Marlin but I like the Tikka also, so I would buy one of each in different calibers.

Neither. I'm long through buying entry level rifles.