Marlin XS7 vs Marlin XL7 vs Stevens 200

[z3ro]

Marlin XS7 vs Marlin XL7 vs Stevens 200 UPDATE

Now, first off, i know from searching previous threads, that this topic has been done to death, pretty much like AR15 build threads, at least im guessing.

As the title states, i've narrowed my options to a budget rifle to the Marlin XS7, the Marlin XL7 and the Stevens 200. Ive read a couple of good in-depth reviews on THR, one in particular is the Marlin XL7 vs the Stevens 200.

Im leading towards either marlin (XL7 in 30 06 or the XS7 in 308). This is going to be a "for fun" rifle, with a possible project build in the future (funds are tight). I believe the only difference between the 2, besides caliber, are that the XL7 is long action and the XS7 is short action.

Now, the reason im not 100% sold on either marlin, is that, from what i understand, the Stevens 200 has more accessories available for it. If i were to get the Stevens 200, i would get it in 30 06.

NOW, before someone starts saying "well get a different caliber, it'll be cheaper", ammunition is something im set on. I know the term "sniper rifle" isnt a very acceptable term here, so ill use tack driver. I want a big round, to shoot far, and be accurate.

So, lets hear it people. What do you prefer. My choice is going to be based off your advice. You all gave me good advice on the ole' 91/30, so im gonna let it ride, and see what THR says about this one.

 

[bang_bang]

Good thing about the Stevens 200 is that it will accept Savage barrels. For example, you wanted to upgrade to a nicer target barrel to increase accuracy, the system is rather simple to install a new barrel.

Remember, the Stevens is just a pre-Accutrigger Savage. It has be proven to be reliable and accurate for many years now, before the Stevens name was put on it.

I don't really think you could go wrong either way with these particular "budget" rifles. I love my Stevens, worth every penny I paid for it. It's far more accurate than I am.

 

[jpwilly]

The Marlin has no aftermarket. The Savage / Stevens do have quite a bit of aftermarket upgrades available...30-06 is a good caliber but if you want to shoot really far you could get the 300 WM! Me...I went with a Savage 10 in 308. Great rifle for the money.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Good thing about the Stevens 200 is that it will accept Savage barrels. For example, you wanted to upgrade to a nicer target barrel to increase accuracy, the system is rather simple to install a new barrel.

Remember, the Stevens is just a pre-Accutrigger Savage. It has be proven to be reliable and accurate for many years now, before the Stevens name was put on it.

I don't really think you could go wrong either way with these particular "budget" rifles. I love my Stevens, worth every penny I paid for it. It's far more accurate than I am.

there may not be many stock choices for the marlin but your choice in barrels is the same as the Stevens 200. It turns out the marlin even copied the specs on savages bbl nut setup. Down to even using the same wrench.

 

[ojibweindian]

I've an XL7 in .30-06 that, with a particular load, shoots 0.563" 5-shot groups (at 100 yards). Several years ago, I had a Savage 110 in .30-06 that produced roughly equivalent groups.

 

[z3ro]

Lol, so everyone is still basically 50-50 on which one to get...

 

[rangerruck]

you can upgrade your stock for the marlin, and I would def look into whether or not, the accustock made from them, will fit on the x class rifles, that would be huge. I like the savage a lot, but I am going to go with the marlin here, just judging from out of the box usage. marlin has a finer made bbl, better trigger, better bolt assy.

Oohhh, that is right, they used the same bbl lockup stuff, take a close look at a pic of each.

 

[Schleprok62]

Give my comparison a good read, it's basically a breakdown of the differences between the Marlin and Stevens

A Tale of Two Budget Rifles

I have one of each and they both have their merits and "could be betters"

If you're looking for something for long range tack driving, the 30-06 would not be my first choice (not that there is anything wrong with an '06 - I have one), I would lean toward one of the magnums, 7mm Rem Mag or the .300 Win Mag...

cheers...

 

[rooster59]

The Marlin has a "Pro-Fire" trigger, which looks a lot like an accutrigger. You can adjust the pull weight.

My XL-7 has the best trigger of any rifle I've owned.

 

[falldowngoboom]

I'm biased as I have an XL7 in .30-06, but I don't think you can beat the fact that the Marlin comes with an adjustable (accutrigger-style) trigger. That alone is the reason to pick it, all else being equal. I've also handled the Stevens and the stock is much more plasticky feeling than the Marlin, which feels more rubbery and grippy. Sorry if these terms are too technical .

It's a tough call as to which chambering to go with. The .30-06 has a slight advantage in terms of pushing out heavier/slightly faster bullets, but it is surprising how little difference it is given the bigger case size (almost half an inch). The 308 is a more efficient cartridge, IMO, if that matters. Reloading it over a 30-06 can be slightly cheaper.

 

[Taurus92 in KyleTX]

Just bought the Marlin XS7 in .308 from Cabelas-- right at $300 out the door after taxes (minus the $150 Cabela's bucks I had on my card and on a gift card )

It's my first bolt action, so I don't have much of a point of reference, but I was surprised at how hard I had to throw the bolt forward to strip a round off the top of the internal magazine. (I haven't given it a good cleaning/lube yet.) Is that common, or could it be the ammo or a stiff mag spring? (I just tried one round of Academy's Monarch brand with the steel case.)

And, once fully forward, I was surprised at how gummy the bolt felt when trying to lock it in place.

I did like the trigger, though-- all I have to compare it to are my AR, 10/22, SKS, AK, and a couple of shotguns. I may have to try dialing it down a bit to see what kind of difference it makes...

 

[falldowngoboom]

Taurus92, I cranked my trigger way down. It's somewhere between 2.5 and 3lbs. Makes a big difference. If you've got a full magazine, chambering can be somewhat tight. I always use my thumb to push straight forward along the back of the bolt in order to chamber. This makes it much easier as the tolerances on the bolt are a little too loose to use the handle with ease when stripping off that top round.

If you only had a couple rounds in the magazine, it becomes a lot easier. It also helps to keep some rounds loaded in the mag for a while to loosen up the spring. Mine started out quite stiff. It doesn't loosen up too much though.

If you're having trouble actually closing the bolt, that may be the ammo. Although if it's factory, this shouldn't be the case. I guess you're not reloading, but if you were, it would probably be that your COAL is too long or your cases need to be fully resized.

 

[jmr40]

The Stevens has a proven record for being a good gun. The Marlin is newer and not as much is known about long term reliability. I like the Marlins features and looks better. If I needed a rifle in that category I would be willing to give the new kid a chance.

 

[z3ro]

Ive figured out im going to go with the marlin in the .308 (XS7). I really like the "acutrigger" although ive never used it. I also like that the .308 has a short bolt throw (Schleprok62 said in his write up that the the XL7 was rather long compared to the stevens, and from what ive read, the XS7 is much shorter)

So the only 2 things im not 100% sure of are

A)krochus said there are as many barrell choices for the marlin in 308 as there are for the stevens 200. Does this mean savage barrels will fit the 308 XS7?

B)Taurus92, you said you got it for 300 out the door after tax. Does this mean it was originally $450 and you used your gift cards?

I think im going to purchase this early-mid next month. Im trying to get as much information as i can about the actually rifle, accessories made for this rifle, and where i can find the lowest cost.

Thanks again to everyone who helped me out, and any more information you can offer, thank you for that to

 

[jmr40]

I think you misunderstood the length of the bolt throw. The Stevens in the write up was a short action. Comparing it to a long action Marlin, the Marlin should have a longer bolt throw. One of the faults I find with Savage/Stevens rifles is the excessive bolt throw. A short action Savage will only have around 1/8" shorter ejection port than a long action from anyone else and the long actions are over 1/2" longer than anyone elses long action. A lot of people could care less, but it messes up the balance and feel of the rifles, especially long actions to me.

 

[z3ro]

Well, i still want a short throw.

Also, does anyone know where to look for accsories? I checked brownells, but all they had was parts

 

[dubbleA]

B)Taurus92, you said you got it for 300 out the door after tax. Does this mean it was originally $450 and you used your gift cards?

Cabela's has the Marlin on sale until tomorrow the 26th. The regular price is $299 and the sale price is $279....a $20 savings. Cabelas does have a club card promotion going right now which can save you some money. Spend $300 get a $75 gift card etc. Just for grins I picked up a 308 myself today.

 

[z3ro]

Welp, im going sunday to look at them. Im not going to buy one then, but i definitly want to get a shoulder feel for the weapon. My gfs dad is going to go with me, so ill be able to get a second opinion

 

[Taurus92 in KyleTX]

Yep. It was $279 + 8.25% sales tax = $303. I had ~$150 in Cabela's bucks. Looks like the Glendale Cabela's has the same on sale (though, it says X*L*7 in the ad). You'd probably spend as much on gas to get up there as you'd save on the rifle, though.

The only other incentive, if you're strapped for cash, as part of the deal, you can use your Cabela's card and get 0% interest, 0 payments til Aug 2010 on any Marlin or Remington firearm.

Unfortunately, Academy Sports hasn't made it's way out to AZ, but they have at least the .270 and 30-06 XL7s everyday for $289.

Just make sure if you pick one up that it comes with the scope base, either in the box, or already attached. The first one the guy pulled for me didn't have it at all, and he pulled a second that already had it installed.

RE: chambering a round, the thumb on the back suggestion is a good one. I hadn't thought of that. Unfortunately, I did have only one round, and it was still difficult. So, maybe I'll try the method of keeping 4 in the mag to "soften" the spring.

The Monarch ammo is Serbia's answer to Wolf, manufactured just for Academy. It wouldn't surprise me, if it's just the ammo.

 

[z3ro]

So, i went to teh store and shoulderd all 3 weapons. I like the marlins feel exponetionally better then the stevens 200. I liked everything about the both marlins better then the stevens 200.

Now the next big step; caliber. My gfs dad kept saying "go 30 06, go 30 06" my best friend kept saying go 308. I cant find one definitive answer either way, so im going to ask it here. I want a friggin TACK DRIVER. Not a hunting rifle.

Which way do i go?
Marlin 308 - $329.99 at wally world
Marlin 30 06 - $ 299.99 at sportsmans warehouse.

 

[Almond27]

I'm just a plain .308 fan in that battle but I guess it all depends on preference and what are you wanting to use the rifle for. If your just wanting to target shoot then I would definitely pick .308 it is cheaper per round.

 

[falldowngoboom]

30-06 if you have the thought that you might want to go for moose or brown bear, otherwise 308 will do it all and be slightly cheaper.

 

[Schleprok62]

Well, if you're looking for a tack driver... I'd go 7mm-08... reason: 7mm/.284 bullets are flatter, and generally have better BC and SD numbers in same weight .308 bullets.

If you reload, you already know this... if you don't reload, you probably don't have any idea what it means... LOL... Shilen makes a nice 7mm-08 heavy barrel drop in for the Savage action...

 

[z3ro]

Nope, i dont reload.
Nope, i dont plan on shooting moose are brown bear

 

[homers]

Marlin XS7, .243 or 7mm-08. Great for target shooting, mild recoil and enough power for deer.