Marlin X series

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Polinese

New member
How's the quality on the Marlin X series specifically the x7vh. Price wise they seem to be more in line with say the Savage Axis or Ruger American which all have rave reviews but still just feel cheap to me overall. They more in line with those or with a normal savage or remington action
 
The design is better than the other budget rifles, IMO. Where it sinks to the level of the other budget guns is the quality of parts (like the extractor, ejector, the bolt-head, etc.). The barrels are very rough but generally accurate. One thing overlooked by some is the flimsy plastic stock is not nearly as flimsy as an Axis or American stock and it is much, much nicer looking than either, IMO. My rifle had a happy surprise in that the trigger adjusts down under 2lbs. with the adjustment screw backed all the way out. From what I've read they aren't all like this.

I bought mine to turn in to a heavy-barrel, .260 Remington. Shilen barrel, Boyd's Walnut stock, glass bedded, etc. I shot it for a while with the factory 7mm-08 barrel and it was a good shooter. I would wholly endorse it as a great 'budget' hunting rifle that I like the looks of a lot more than the others.

I am of the notion now that if I am going to buy another rifle I am not going to waste my time with 'budget' guns. I will save a little longer and buy a Winchester Model 70, or a Kimber, or a Cooper if I ever get rich. Next time I build a gun I will start with a Savage action so I can get goodies galore.
 
Thanks. I was looking for something to pick up as a loaner/trunk rifle type gun was wondering how they were compared to say the Stevens 200 action I have sitting around.
 
Polinese said:
Thanks. I was looking for something to pick up as a loaner/trunk rifle type gun was wondering how they were compared to say the Stevens 200 action I have sitting around.
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Feel wise, they feel much nicer and more robust than a Stevens 200. But as you know, the Stevens is a custom rifle waiting to happen in your garage. Leaving them stock, I would take the Marlin over the Stevens every time. Smoother, easier lifting bolt, better trigger, WAY better stock.
 
Own several of the Marlin X rifles. One is the 308 heavy varmit barrel, one a 7mm-08 and one was a 25-06. But, had it rebarreled to 7x57 mauser. The 25-06 shot OK, just wanted another accurate 7x57 rifle.

Own an Axis and a couple of Stevens too. Think the Marlins are a better rifle.

Gent I shoot with at range I'm a member is a serious reloader/shooter. Has some very accurate custom benchrest rifles. Owns a couple of the Marlin X rifles too and has nice things to say about them.
 
So i'm getting that the Marlin's while very similar in design to the savage are a better built rifle. As for the stock I'd likely be dropping it into a boyds and eliminating that weak point anyways.
 
I picked one up in .270 Win a year or so ago, and have been very pleased with it. Accurate and reliable, and easy to carry. So far it has been more accurate than my Model 70 Ultimate Shadow in .270WSM, much to my chagrin. I don't think they can be beat for the money. I didn't really need a .270 Win, but for $249 on sale, I couldn't pass it up. It took a nice mule deer doe in Montana last fall with a 130 gr Nosler Solid Base in front of Reloder 17.
 
My post in this thread sums it up for me (post#40). http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=549240&page=2 . There's also a link that I put there that was very helpful when I was deciding between a RAR and the X7.

Also, I do own a howa1500, and if you can get one of those, or its twin the Vanguard, do it. They are a step above. They are a fairly heavy action, so if you want a light rifle the Howa is a little heavy from the starting gate.
 
I really liked my Marlin X7 .308 in stainless. It wasn't a tack driver but it shot well enough for hunting 1" to 1.5" groups at 100 yards. I really wish I hadn't sold that rifle.
 
A few years ago I got my son the XS-7 in 7mm-08. I think he was 16 at the time... and while he's no stranger to shooting and long guns, he's not the most experienced rifleman.

With some hand loads, he was able to shoot a 1.75" group at 200 yards off bags, and did it several times. For the money, the trigger is fantastic and the action smooth.

I found the rifle to be an exceptional value...
 
Thanks for all the replies guys. I think i'm actually just gonna snag a Model 70 or a Hawkeye when I have the chance... lil more money but i'm more favorable to the CRF actions.
 
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