Keep in mind the .22mag ammo is $$$. I used to have a Marlin .22mag...a very accurate rifle but the ammo was expensive.

I recently bought a Ruger American 308, very inexpensive rifle, very light rifle, reasonably accurate with reloads. good value. Recoil is not that bad for such a light rifle but because of it's light weight it is not quite as accurate as a heavyer rifle from a rest.
Not a tack driver but for less than $400 it's a good value.

These are not finely finished smooth rifles. You can get that for twice the price. These rifles work. They are accurate. That is all you can expect for the ridiculously low price they sell for. I believe they are a true bargain.

Seen a three shot group with the 22 mag that was one ragged hole at 100 yards with winchester super x. The gunsmith that showed me that said he dealt with 5 or 6 and they all shot that good the Magnums better then the 22. He got the triggers down to about 2 lbs.

Just picked mine up deciding on which scope then I'll go shoot it. I can't wait. the ammo is hard to find but I got two boxes it cost a lot more than it used to.lol

He said it tools about 20 shoots but then the group's start to shrink.

Fellow range member has owned a Marlin X7 .223 for 4 or so months now. He's quite happy with the accuracy of it. I own several of the Marlin X7 rifles in other cartridges and they all shoot well.

Own an Axis .223 too, and prefer the Marlin X rifles over it.

the American is very poorly built in my opinion. I would not buy one. on the other hand the savage axis is a pretty nice rilfe, im very pleased with what ive seen out of them.