Marlin XS7 or Savage Edge
10-16-2010, 04:37 AM
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location:
Posts: 56
Marlin XS7 or Savage Edge
I've done a lot of research on entry level rifles for my grown son. Whitetail hunting with mostly under 100yd. shots, maybe an occasional 150yd. shot. I have narrowed it down to the Marlin XS7 or the Savage Edge, both in .243 Win. They are both in the price range I want to spend. Any input as to which would be the best choice, and if so, why? I know that optics are another whole story, so just concentrating on rifle for now.
10-16-2010, 06:04 AM
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Western Nebraska
Posts: 3,393
10-16-2010, 06:41 AM
#3
Fork Horn
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 144
I have two of the Marlins, a wood stock in a 30-06 and a synthetic stock .270 and both will out shoot my Remington 700 and Ruger 77 all day long. If your wanting a gun to hunt with it is hard to beat the Marlins for the money. I personally stay away from used rifles unless I know the previous owner. Sometimes you get a good one at a decent price and sometimes you get someone elses problem.
10-16-2010, 02:32 PM
#4
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location:
Posts: 56
Jacob, thanks for the comments... I had already ruled out used rifles for a couple of reasons. The gun shops in my area tend to price used Remingtons, Brownings, Rugers, etc. MUCH higher than the the cost on the Savage and Marlin I am looking at, and they don't offer any meaningful warranty. I don't like to buy used online because I can't put my hands on it and assess it's condition before I buy. At any rate, from my research and comments from people who own them, I am not so sure that the "fine rifles" on the used market are any better (or as good) functionally than the two rifles I am looking at. I am simply looking for input from owners of the these two that can provide input on their reliability and performance, pros and cons, etc. For example, the Savage Edge has a detachable box magazine and the Marlin doesn't... I see that a pro for the Edge.... Marlin has an adjustable trigger, Edge doesn't... pro for the Marlin..etc.
Last edited by westbrooklawn; 10-16-2010 at 02:37 PM.
10-16-2010, 04:47 PM
#6
Fork Horn
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: NW Colorado
Posts: 199
I've done a lot of research on entry level rifles for my grown son. Whitetail hunting with mostly under 100yd. shots, maybe an occasional 150yd. shot. I have narrowed it down to the Marlin XS7 or the Savage Edge, both in .243 Win. They are both in the price range I want to spend. Any input as to which would be the best choice, and if so, why? I know that optics are another whole story, so just concentrating on rifle for now.
For me, having a detachable magazine is a minus. I am always afraid they are gonna drop out in the field. Call me paranoid, but I don't like them. If I can't do it with 4+1 capacity, well then maybe I better go back to the range and rethink my shooting.
Don't know if the savage comes with a scope base, but the Marlin does, so it saves you a small amount of cash there.
Here is a review I posted a little while back if you haven't read through it.
http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/firearm-review-forum/329990-marlin-xs7-308-win-range-report-photos.html
10-16-2010, 04:51 PM
#7
Spike
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Belding, MI
Posts: 46
I would pick the marlin over the Edge. However, I would pick the T/C Venture over the Marlin for about the same price. They're great shooters and have a lifetime warranty. After rebate, you can get the Venture for about $350 if you shop around.
10-17-2010, 05:32 AM
#8
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: VA, USA
Posts: 3,116
I will second the vote for the T/C Venture.
It has a detachable magazine, user adjustable trigger, an accuracy guarantee and a lifetime warranty. As hanks396 said, these can be found in the $350 to $375 range if you look around.
If you decide to stick with the Marlin or the Savage, I would pick the Marlin. I simply like the way the Marlin feels better and the Marlins do seem to shoot very well.
10-17-2010, 08:11 AM
#9
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,519
Marlin would be my choice out of those two, but I think the Savage Model 10 package deals at Walmart are a better deal than both of your choices. They are right under $400 and come with the accu trigger, have a Simmons Blazer scope, and a sling. Just replace the cheap scope, heck you can probably even sell it for $20-30 and then you will have a lot nicer gun with the famous accu trigger for a great price.
