Marlin XL7 or Stevens 200?

[Marty B]

My son in law is needing an inexpensive deer rifle in 30-06. Which of these two do you feel is the better rifle. I feel like He can't go wrong with the Stevens, so I guess I'm mostly looking for opinions on the Marlin. Any help would be appreciated. The Mossberg might also be a consideration.
Thanks,
Marty

 

[bearmgc]

Can't go wrong with either one. I'd prefer the Marlin.

 

[Uncle Mike]

Well, the Stevens is top notch...f o r t h e m o n e y !

However, I hear time and time again from customers who have both, or who have shot/ hunted with both, that the nod goes towards the XL 7, but ever so slightly, and as we all know, you can't argue with opinion!

I think the deciding factor for most folks is the Marlins trigger is a tad nicer than the Stevens...but I hear that is about to change...there was a nasty rumor that the Savage folks were going to crank out the Stevens with their Accutrigger....don't quote me on that, because it came from an source outside of Savage.

 

[aubie515]

The Marlins will accept the same prefit barrels from Pac Nor, Shilen and McGowen. I hear the bolts/action on the Marlins are better.