Marlin XS7?

[MolleMan]

Looking at a Marlin XS7 for $299 in a .308 caliber and have intentions to set it up with a bi-pod and a busnell 4x12-40 scope, I can't find many reviews on this particular rifle in respect to accuracy and reliability. I don't really intend to do much hunting with this rifle, just a gun to target practice with. would appreciate any feedback

 

[homers]

Word on the street is that Marlin hit a home run with these guns. For the price, they are suppose to be very accurate.

 

[wlewisiii]

My 7mm-08 XS7 is more accurate than I am, though I'm terribly out of practice (getting a Marlin 60 to help with that ) The .308 is likely just as good.

 

[Maverick223]

Best rifle at its price point, and a very good rifle at any price. A very good buy, the only advice I have is to buy a quality scope for it. I don't know what Bushnell you are referring to, but if that is an Elite-3200 series scope that you are considering, you are on the right track.

 

[MolleMan]

I have never shot a .308 caliber but seems to be the choice of american snipers which caught my interest. anything u positive or negative to know about this particular cartridge?

 

[no4njnk]

My XS7 in a .308 is sub moa at 100 yards. That was only the second time I shot with a scoped rifle in my life so I know it wasn't me.

But if its going to be a range gun only I would go with a Savage or Rem. with a nice thick barrel.

 

[Maverick223]

anything u positive or negative to know about this particular cartridge?

Cartridges are typically available most anywhere ammunition is sold and they tend to be less costly than comparable chamberings. Additionally, factory match ammunition abounds in .308Win. The negative points are that it is not a long range target rifle, so match ammo is of little benefit. Additionally the cartridge is outperformed (better external ballistics) by the 7mm-08Rem. and the .243Win., both which afford lighter recoil. Just keep in mind that one cartridge is not inherently more accurate than another, only consistency (in the form of better quality components and consistent loading) make a cartridge accurate.

 

[MolleMan]

well I have a ruger m77 mark2 (7 mag) thats a tack driver but expensive and painful to target practice with so i leave that one for my deer slayer but I just bought a mossberg ath100 in a .270 caliber and was impressed at the low recoil is had compared to my other rifles. kinda hopeing that the .308 might be fairly similiar.

 

[Maverick223]

.308Win. is very similar to .270Win, and depending upon the load can have a little lighter recoil. OTOH the .243Win. is about half that of the .270Win. and the 7mm-08Rem. is about 75% as much.

 

[Purgatory]

Additionally the cartridge is outperformed (better external ballistics) by the 7mm-08Rem. and the .243Win., both which afford lighter recoil.

I really like the 7mm-08 and think it would be worth taking over the .308 if it's availability in stores and versatility of grain weights was even close to the .308.

But since it's certainly not, (Ammo to Go only has 140 grain basically in about 5 different brands.) I chose the .308 as well.

Anyone know why the 7mm-08 hasn't gained more acknowledgement by ammo makers and consumers? It seems like a great cartridge.

MolleMan, I've heard great things about the XS7's accuracy.

Look forward to more replies from those with first-hand.

 

[Maverick223]

Anyone know why the 7mm-08 hasn't gained more acknowledgement by ammo makers and consumers? It seems like a great cartridge.

No idea, I often wonder why the .260Rem. didn't take off. IMO it is the best rifle cartridge in the .308 case, but alas, it has never seen widespread commercial success. OTOH the 7mm-08Rem. affords nearly as good of performance with less recoil (neither of which is much of a concern, particularly on a hunting rifle), and somewhat available ammunition; thus making it arguably a better hunting cartridge.