Marlin XL7 Questions

the Marlin XL7 compared to others like the Rem 700

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Generally, the X-Series Marlins have been shooting better or as well as, concerning accuracy, as the SPS's and CDL's, VTR,and XHR models. It is disheartening to see the $400 rifle beside you at the range printing tighter groups than your $900 rifle, but, it's happening!

Remington and Marlin both have a hand in the manufacture of the X-Series rifles, with Marlin, and a select few vendors doing the majority of the manufacturer.

The recoil pads are outstanding in their effectiveness, albeit at the cost of long term durability of the pads, but hey, you can't have everything!

The only cost comparable rifle from Remington is the SPS model, and it has been my experience that the X-Series rifles have shot better than the SPS's have, given the use of the same lot factory ammo, and everything else equal.

I think Cerberus has made a good decision with the acquisition of Marlin and the X-Series rifles, many speak highly of the breed and compare it to Savage rifles...actually, we hear a lot of talk from customers that they like the Marlin's better than the Savages, and many of these same folks say if Marlin would put a better looking walnut stock on the rifle, it would steal a many sales from Savage.

Still, the Remington CDL rifles look, and carry great!

I have an XL-7 in 30-06. It shoots approx. an inch at a hundred. Love it.

D

I bought a 30-06 for my son last year and it shoots better than my Remington. I like the synthetic stock for the field. Trigger is great. How can you go wrong for $300? I have never read a bad review of which there are many online. Maybe the best deal in a bolt available. I think it is all American made. ...Russ

Uncle Mike hit the nail on the head. They are an outstanding value. IMO the best sporting rifle for the money on the market today, even when considering rifles nearly double their price. They don't tend to be as accurate as a Savage, but can hang in with, or best most Remingtons, and are more than accurate enough for most any sporting applications. Furthermore they are now available in stainless, have pretty decent stocks (dare I say it, better than most Savage synthetics), and are fairly smooth. The trigger is comparable to the Savage Accutrigger, but not quite as crisp IMO (but not bad in the least).

I agree that a wood and/or laminate stock would be a profitable option, as would a bull barreled target version, but for now it remains to be simply a great sporter for the money.

Uncle Mike said:

Still, the Remington CDL rifles look, and carry great!

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BDL looks even better....and my 30+ year old BDL looks better than the modern version.

BDL looks even better....and my 30+ year old BDL looks better than the modern version.

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In all likelihood it shoots better too.

Laminate Stock

But they do make a laminate stock version if that is what you want. For some reason it is not on the website, but some places on the web carry it. Like Bud's....I bought mine from Wholesale Hunters. The laminate model is listed at a higher price than the standard synthetic stock model.

I like my .30-06 XL7, but was only able to take it to the range once before leaving town for a couple of months. Can't wait to do some load development when I get back home. Total package cost for me was $585 (not including the bipod which is just for the photo).

Didn't realize that...looks pretty darn good. Savage, watch out!

Looks very good. Did not know they offered that option.

You would think they'd want to advertise it better!

Anyone making aftermarket stocks to fit these yet?

Yes! Boyds Gunstocks is offering their thumbhole and classic stocks for the XS guns in pepper lam, nutmeg lam, and walnut. The stocks are inlet so that the barrel is free floated and according to the guy who have them on the Marlin owners forum its a 100% drop in fit, but a lot of guys are pillar bedding them anyway.

Marlin now makes a stainless version of the XS guns too.

I have an XS7 in 7mm-08 and its a fantastic rifle. The quality is very good (this is a pre remington model) and the action is as smooth as silk. The worst thing about the gun is the plastic stock, but now thats a non-issue. I only paid 300 for the gun. IMO the Marlin is a steal.

I believe Boyd's is the only ones making aftermarket stocks for them, but their quality is good, so I wouldn't let that stop me.

That Marlin with Redfield scope and Laminated stock do look good! Nice build.

That Marlin XL7 with the laminate stock looks pretty good. I didn't realize they made them with something other than plastic stocks. What is the length of pull on the XL7?