Savage Edge vs Marlin XS7

[okiegunlover]

I am looking for my first deer hunting rifle of my own, in .308 Win. At this point, i want a Marlin XS7. But i also saw the new savage edge and cant help but wondering if its a good rifle or not, any ideas or thoughts on the new edge? also considered a stevens 200, but gosh, they are uglier than the edge. i plan to top whatever rifle i get with a Redfield 4-12X40

 

[djardine]

Hello,
I am a long time Savage owner and admirer. I currently own a camo Stevens Model 200 in .223. This gun is a shooter! Even without the accutrigger, this gun still shoots better than my Marlin XL7 in .25-06. I love both guns for different reasons. There is NOTHING wrong with the Marlin XS7 in .308! I love my .25-06 and I feel it is a great value. The trigger is sweet and is one plus over the Stevens 200 but the overall accuracy of the Stevens gives it an edge as well. You would be happy with both. I have never shot the Savage Edge but I have handled one recently- to me it was a Stevens 200 with a newly designed stock- which in my opinion was a little weird and funky feeling. This gun will shoot just like a Stevens 200 most likely, but it just has a different stock. In addition, the safety is all plastic and cheaper than the metal one on my Stevens 200. If you like the Stevens 200, and you don't mind the camo, I think one solution would be to get the Stevens Model 200 XP camo package (pictured below)- it is sweet looking and a great shooter.

 

[rangerruck]

though I have not had one in my hands yet, I have heard nothing good thus far with the new savages, and almost all good with the Marlin.

 

[aubie515]

I'd pass on the Marlin for the simple fact that the Marlin plant is closing. I'm sure that Remington will do the repairs for all the Marlin rifles down the road. Given that news, I would choose Savage. I wouldn't get an Edge, I'd get the Stevens 200 since they are only $300. You can do more with the Stevens in terms of upgrading compared to the Edge.

 

[wvshootist]

Marlin is shutting down their manufacturing operations in CT and moving to NC. They are not going out of business.

 

[jmr40]

The Marlin is the most impressive new rifle I've seen in a long time. I don't really consider it a budget rifle. You get a rifle as good as any ones at a budget price. The only problem is the limited supply, and caliber selection right now. I think that will change in a few months when they get moved and can crank up production again.

 

[djardine]

I took both guns out to the desert today (Stevens 200 in .223 and Marlin XL7 in .25-06). Both guns performed great with the Stevens beating out the Marlin by just a hair. With factory ammo, I was getting 3 shots in the size of a nickel at 100 yards with the Stevens and 3 shots in the size of a quarter with the Marlin and the bigger catridge. Great shooters! You cannot go wrong with either gun.

 

[ms6852]

I would go with the Savage because they are easy to upgrade and change barrels and or stocks. Out of the box and for the money Savages are outstanding.

 

[KingMedicine]

I bought the Marlin XS7 in .308, and i have to say its one well built rifle. Added a Nikon 3x9 and had a whole setup with rings for 450 bucks. You cant beat that!

 

[okiegunlover]

i personally hat the look of the stock on the stevens 200 and i am warry of the edge, since its a new model. but the marlin looks very well made and i have heard it shoots well

 

[Kingofthehill]

I have the Marlin in .270... its a fantastic rifle. It is shockingly accurate and has an amazing trigger.

JOe