Marlin XL7
Marlin has introduced a new line of bolt action rifles this year, the XL7. It comes in two models, the XL7 and XL7C (Relatree Camo).
XL7C
It is available in 25-06, 270 and 30-06.
Specs:
Capacity: 4+1
Barrel: 22″
Weight : 6 1/2 lbs.
The XL7 has been built for those who demand premium features at a fair price. Noteworthy features include our NEW adjustable Pro-Fireâ„¢ trigger system, Soft-Techâ„¢ recoil pad, fluted bolt for speed and smoothness, a pillar bedded stock for accuracy and recessed “target style” muzzle crown Price right, the XL7 is a rifle that you can be proud of at a price you can afford.
More at Marlin
GunBlast has written a review:
I like accurate rifles. I especially like accurate rifles that are a real bargain in today’s market. I usually do not list prices in a review, as our articles stay up on Gunblast in the Archive section forever, and we are constantly getting new readers who find our site. In this case, however, I will make an exception, as this new XL7 carries a list price, as of this writing, of only $326 US. This price, combined with the accuracy, comfort, and handling of the rifle, along with that excellent trigger, makes this new Marlin XL7 one of the best bargains available in a quality rifle. In addition to that, it is made in the United States by American skilled workers. Considering reliability, accuracy, and price, the Marlin XL7 is hard to beat, and I highly recommend it.
More here.
My first firearm was given to me 41 years ago by my father at the age of twelve. It was a Marlin Glenfield bolt action model 25 in 22 caliber. I used it everyday and fired thousands of rounds through it. I have purchased many firearms since but I Still love using the old 22.
– Last year I decided to purchase the XL7 in 308 caliber. LOVE IT!
I put a Redfield accu range scope 3x9x50 on it and it’s dead on out to 400 yards. I found the Winchester power max (in the red box with the deer skull on it) in 150 grain PHP to work the best in this rifle. Easily groups at 1.5 inches at 400 yards.
For the money, WOW! can’t beat it.
I too have a Marlin XL7 30-06. It is a great (accurate) rifle at a fantastic price.
I want to comment to everyone who thinks this caliber or that caliber is best for flatest shooting, knockdown power, etc. It doesn’t matter what you use. If you do your job as a hunter, getting within the range your rifle is designed for and placing a shot accurately, you should have no trouble taking down a deer. Over the past few years, I have dropped 11 mule deer in western states and 14 whitetails in the great lakes states at 50 YARDS USING ONLY A RIMFIRE .22LR. This was only done after acquiring permission from the various states. The point was to prove that rifle caliber does not matter when hunting. When you make your shot count, you will get the kill.
jUST PURCHASED THE LX7 IN A 270. 130 GR. FEDERAL FUSHION. VX3 4-12X 50. SCOPE. Not impressed one bit I have been shooting for 30 years and am very accurate. after proper break in the best i can get is 3 inch groups @ 100yrds. 8 inch groups @ 200 yrds. And cant hit the broad side of the barn @ four hundred. But what do you expect for $300.00 But look at the good side ,it will drop a deer @ 100yrds. just dont expect any more. You always get what you pay for.
Hey Camera,
I just finished set-up and break-in of an XL7S-VH in .308. It comes stock with a 26″ med-heavy barrel. I tuned the trigger to 2-3/4 lbs, mounted a Simmons 6.5-20x-50mm scope in Simmons tall rings, and used Rem 150gr SPT CoreLokt ammo for the breakin. I paid $319 on sale at a local gunshop. One trick I learned for rifles with the synthetic stock: remove the buttcap and fill the empty stock with clean, dry sand, and use a piece of thin packing foam as a seal, then replace the buttcap. This will dampen recoil and improve the balance of the rifle. This rifle with my first test reloads is shooting 1 MOA at 100 yards, which is very good for an economy-level rifle. I’m confident that I can get into the 1/2 MOA range with some handload development.
I’ve also ordered a Boyds laminated wood stock that fits the XLS action: Savage inletting will not fit the XLS, already checked that!!
For the price and features, and the potential accuracy, this XLS is one great rifle.
Ray W.
Not yet, but Able Ammo has them listed, out of stock for $336.00. I clicked the box for “email me when in stock”. I want one of each. Just hope Boyds start making custom stocks for them soon, as all my X guns are fitted with their stocks and they make an awesome looking, inexpensive hunting rifle. The 22-250 would be great for nailing prairie dogs and coyotes and the .308 for competition, if the barrels are true.
Just hope they are available for sale soon.
Let’s hear from anyone lucky enough to find one and shoot it!!
Rusty Nuts,
San Antonio, TX
Does anyone have experience with the 308 win in 26″ bbl XS7 heavy bbl?
I agree 100% about the 30-06. I have a xL7 on layaway in that caliber after i sold my last single shot 3006. I think it is the best round for many reasons fisrt springfield designed it to military specs and it has been used in every major engagement since. second it is very versatile loading from 55 to 190 grains with differnt results for different game. third it wont shy away when it hits most brush. fourth my dad used one and his dad before him so that is my family round. last and not least some of the greatest guns ever built were chambered in the 30-06 m1 garand, 1903 springfield, browning assault rifle (BAR) and now hopefully the reasonably priced marlin xl7
Newcal, here’s a great (and affordable) way to bait hogs. Get some feed corn & soak it in water for several weeks. Keep it covered, as it will smell putrid after a while, but the hogs LOVE it. Dig a hole wherever you wish to hunt & pour the corn down the hole. Within a couple days the hogs will be rooting all around that hole. Be careful of the wind when setting up to shoot. A hogs sense of smell is second to none. I like 180 grain Core loks in my 30/06 XL7, but with proper shot placement almost any caliber will do. Good luck !
Thanks Mike,
I am still pretty keen on the Marlin xl7, really is the least expensive rifle here. Next in line is the Savage FHSAK in eiteh 7mm Rem Mag or .270 WSM which shlould also do the job quite nicely. Looking at getting a rifle sent from Germany right now, one of my mates over there reckons that there are a number of cheap really good guns over there, so if the import permits are available I am going for one of them, but I am not getting my hopes up.
Another question i have is how do I bait for wild boar. We have heaps over here and i am keen on giving it a go. Reckon dog pellets and a can of dog food should give me some reasonable results. The way here would be to bait up, then set up maybe 50 yards away in a prone position, full camo gear and wait it out. That way it might be feasible to shoot a good stag as well that might be wandering by…
I have zero experience in baiting hogs and will be the first one to try it over here as far as I know so again any advice is appreciated. They are doing alot of damage on the native plants so no limit on what to do so to speak.
Yeah, prices are really steep over here, plus side is though that one can get a license in like an hour and take a gun home the same day, which is quite amazing. Any of you folks wanna come down here and do some world class hunting for Rusa and turkey give me a buzz, I would e happy to set it up for you and help with the translation which can be a pain over here!
Happy Hunting
Martin
NewCal, you mentioned you could get a Rem 700 for about the same $$. If your deer are that sturdy and shy, you may want to consider the Rem in 7mm Rem Mag. I have a few Marlins and like them fine, but I also have a Rem 700 BDL in 30-06 and it is definitely a better rifle with 24″ barrel, floorplate that opens to empty rifle easily . . . etc. Another candidate would be the Weatherby Vanguard, which is available in alot more calibers than the Marlin. I am looking at purchasing a .270 for hunting here in Texas, but the Vanguard seems to be my choice because of all the extra features for only $100 more thab the Marlin at Budsgunshop.com. They have the Marlin in camo for about $350.
The .270 is touted as one of the flattest shooting rifles out there for most mid sized deer using similar case dimensions as the .30-06 and .25-06. Sorry to hear you have to pay so much for quality weapons over there. Also, don’t rule out Savage 110 with 24″ barrel, I have one in 7mm Rem Mag and it is awesome at almost any distance. I have a Pentax 3-15X50 scope on it a Boyd’s Custom Thumbhole stock and Pachmyer decelerator recoil pad. It’s still not a rifle you want to shot twenty rounds through, but is awesome for the one shot that really counts. A 300 mag would also fit the bill, but would kick even more.
Good luck on your choices.
Hi guys,
I live in New Caledonia (don’t worry if you never heard of it, most people haven’t) and we have the best Rusa deer hunting in the world. They are fairly tough to take down and on some properties the shots for trophy stags are quite far (300 to 450yd and above) I am looking to buy a rifle here now and came across the Xl7 today in one of the shops. They only have one in all the shops that I checked, which are most of the shops on the island. Its the .270 by the way and really the minimum cal one should use here… It is mounted with one mother of a scope, will find out the make and model but was told its Australian (?) Problem is the price. it sells for 1300 Euros which today is around $1900!!! From what I have seen on this page, I better be able to shoot a squirrel in the nuts from a mile away for that kind of money. Other problem is scopes are generally really (I mean really) expensive here and usually cost about the same as a quality rifle (x bolt, savage etc.) and unfortunately are a must have with the distances.
All you guys have pretty much sold me on the xl7 by now and it should be an excellent choice. Any combo I buy here will most likely be around the same price, most quality rifles retail for at least 1300, 1400US here, no scope (damn Euro) so I am not sure what to do. My problem will be even bigger if they truly discontinued that rifle…
So I am thinking I make the guy an offer for around 1000US for the rifle and get a scope from somewhere else?! Sadly enough, 1300 Euros might be a reasonable price for a high quality combo. I can get a Rem 700 with some sort of scope for around 1500US but I truly fell in love with the xl7 (got the brush camo look, which is perfect for here)
So, shall I bite the bullet ,) and go for it, just from the looks of it, the scope should be amazing, but no real clue…
or for the money go for an X bolt or something similar?
Any advice is much appreciated, already decided not to get the Browning Cynergy for the unbelievable turkey hunting that we have here which is “reasonably” priced around $3340 for a trap shoot model… Even though I love that gun!
PS> you guys have forgotten more about guns than I will ever learn!
I bought a Marlin XL7 in 308 Win and already I have converted into a 250 Savage with a custom A&B barrel from Midwest USA. It shoots great. It takes the same barrel as the Savage 110 with a little adjustment to the face of the bolt which I solved with a little bit of sandinf of ot’s face to bring the bolt into full contact of the shell. Of course if your not sure of this yourself contact a local gunsmith and they can probably do it for you.Good shooting.
I am also from Namibia recently bought a .308 and what a pleasure . Good price and shoots springbuck and will down a Eland with good placement. All American hunters are invuted to “Nam”…for a good fun trip…Amazing country and hunting ficilities.
Kolten-where do you live? I might be interested if you are close. I am in LA.
i bought the xl7 25-06 i put a 3x9x40 bushnell on it and i love it. i shoot 100 grain remington coe-lokts out of it and its accurate light and easy to handle the only thing is 25-06 is hard to find good bullets for so im lookin at a 30-06
the 25-06 can reach that 350 and 400 yard mark but its alittle small for elk so im trying to sell it any offers? 250 with scope and sling i killed two deer with it this year and one last year
Aparently its going to be impossible to get a new trigger for my xl7.
I’ve been duped!
Marlin said they are between factories and they won’t have one for a long… long … long time
I’d like to know how a brand new gun has a broken trigger
I picked up an xl7 second hand but was told only a few rounds went through it to set the scope.
I noticed after that there was 1/2 the trigger missing.
thin brittle metal – bound to break I guess.
nice gun otherwise I suppose.
i bought the xl7 30-06 about two years ago after reading up on it a little. i bought a burris fullfield2 3x9x50 and leupold rings and mounts, which really set the rifle off. i love my gun! i tested hornady, federal, and remington corelokt bullets. surprisingly, the remington bullets shoot the best. great shooting and very accurate up to 400yards. drops rapidly after that. i shoot 150 grain bulles and im very satisfied. would recommend i to anyone who wans a great rifle at a fair price!
Purchased the 270 xl7c and not only is the rifle good looking, but it is the most accurate rifle that I own. I took it to the range one day and I just happened to be shooting next to a gentleman who had one of those bolt action single shot rifles made by Savage, chambered in .308 that is designed from the factory as a bench shooter,(now I happen to know that these rifles are very well made and deadly accurate). However on this particular day my “cheap” Marlin out shot the Savage with 4 shots just 1 inch left of the bulls eye, into one ragged hole! We both were extremely impressed! By the way the 270 caliber will kill elk (especially ones this accurate), and I am just as confident with the caliber for elk hunting as I am with the ’06 or my 7mag. I would recommend the Marlin to anyone looking to buy a very,very good rifle! (By the way the load I was shooting was 150 grain Speer spitzer sp. on top of 57 grains of R22).
Hi.
I am from Norway.
The buck hunting season on deer has finally started, and as I got my hunting licence this year I looked forward to getting out to hunt.
Well.. I purchased an XL7 cal.30-06, and I am very satisfied about the accuracy of the rifle. But it has misfired on me several times and I suspect the spring to be to slack.. Does anyone have experience of retaining more spring pressure to the firing pin, or is this not recommended to do, and how to do it would be great to know.. Any tips welcome..
Morgan
morganer [at] start.no
Morgan, you should return the rifle to wherever you bought it from. If you don’t want to do that, try disassembling the bolt and cleaning it. Make sure there is no dirt or oil inside the bolt.
i recently did some swapping and trading and got the marlin xl7 in the 25-06 with a 6×24-42mm barska scope on it the only reason i even considered the trade of the marlin for a remington 1100 non vent rib 2 3/4 only shotgun (the rifle in my favor) is because my brother in law has the xl7 in a 270 and i have shot 2 in. groups @200 yards with his. this is going to be my primary deer rifle i also have a remington model 7600 pump .270 that my wife shoots, and a marlin 336c gold trigger .35 cal that i have yet to kill a deer with. PLEASE give some pointers on the ammo that shoots best out of yalls xl7 25-06 to save some time and money. deer season is just around the corner, happy hunting and the best of luck to all
Just got an XL7 in 7MM-08 put a burris 3 x 9 ballistic plex scope hand loaded some rounds and put 5 round in an inch and a half at 100yds.Cant wait to see what it will do when I fine tune my hand loads.
Hey John(up top),
Know it’s probably 2 late but I like to blab…so-
Go with neither! In fact, ditch the XL7C altogether! Get the XS7C INSTEAD! The xs7c compared to the xl7c is mundane! They are almost if not exactly same rifle in specs, same camo stock, only the Xs7C comes in better calibers for a guy like you. 7m-08, .243, and .308.
Whenever a guy I know is torn between .270 and .30-06, I say .308, he says, “NO!” Then I take him to the range and let him use my XS7C to explode a few shaken Dr. Pepper cans sitting on a bench at the 150-yd. range.
The .308 is loved by many *SNIPERS*, yes real ones that served not impersonators, that I know, has a flat trajectory and is AFFORDABLE to SHOOT a LOT! If you plan on hunting buffalo, go with the .30-06, but other than that, a .308 will easily get you anything from (partially exploded) squirrells to large black bear out to 100′s of yards, without being that reat of a shot!
.308 ALL THE WAY!
Glad to hear you are getting comfy with your new rifle. A few hints to help with recoil; pull the rifle into your shoulder snuggly, if you hold it loosely, you will get kicked around like you described. Also the isometric tension by pulling in with your forarm helps to steady the rifle better.
I recommend that you might consider both ear plugs and muffs for hearing protection. Double hearing protection will greatly reduce hearing loss from the associated impact assault on your ear drums. If not, you will end up like me, with a constant ringing in your ears and poor hearing as you age.
Also Remington makes reduced recoil ammo for the most popular rounds, so if you plan on shooting a lot, you may want to give them a try.
The scope you have is okay for a starter, but you may consider upgrading a little to say, a Nikon prostaff. For the money, Nikon rivals the top end scopes like Leupold. If you do a little research on line, you can read up on scopes and their ability to hold zero well, through allot of shooting.
Keep us posted on your experience. It is always great to hear ladies getting into this great sport. Both my daughters can shoot very well (pistols), but can’t get them interested in rifles. Momma has her tactical 12 ga. and a compact 9mm near her bed, but I think a couple of her dogs will scare anyone off, before they posed a real threat.
Good luck and safe shooting,
Mike B.
San Antonio, TX
A note for Tiffany, Use good ear protection while shooting on the range.
It will help with your concentration protect your hearing and your head will not be ringing for the rest of the day.
I have a 7mm-08 in the XL7 Youth model—it is a tack driver.
Darrell
Thank you Mike!
Well, I picked the rifle up today an started sighting it in just before dark. The only rounds I could find around anywhere were Remington 100gr..
It came with an NCstar scope. Don’t know much about the brand other then I have the same brand on my .22mag. Good scopes an not expensive at all, at least from my experience with them. The one on my .22 has cross hairs that light up. That scope is around $60 where I bought my XL7C. An the one that came with the XL7C is $40(non lighted). May look them up online for less?…
An it wasn’t nothing to get’r sighted in good at 100yrds. before dark.
Well, over-all it is more then I expected! The guy said it’s just the next step up from the .22-250 I been shooting. That I wouldn’t know the difference… HAH! He could’ve prepared me better. It kicked like a mule compared to the other rifles I’ve shot. Nearly knocked me clean off the shooting bench an had me deaf for a few minutes. I could’ve swore Iraq dropped a bomb beside me! I’m also a rather tiny girl, 5’8 130lbs.
However, after the initial shock of the first shot, I was ready for it an I never had any problems. Still a bit loud, but all in all it wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle. I was just given info that was misleading for what it was.
So in the end, Even though the XL7C is more then I needed or wanted. I really like it an settled right into it comfortably.
I’ll come back an post again with more/better info after I get more experience an first blood with it.
Thank you again!
Tiffany
Tiffany, here is a web page that could be informative, depending on the type of shooting you are doing:
http://www.shootingtimes.com/ballistics/25_06_remington.html
also http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=10480_14658_14743_14903_14792
.25-06 ammo tends to be more expensive and a little more difficult to find than the more common rounds; .270, .308, .30-06 and .243. However, it is a very effective, flat shooting round that many prefer which has a little less recoil than the larger, heavier rounds.
Did you get it with the scope, or are you putting one on? You will already find many great suggestions on this sight from previous post. We’d love to hear from you on your experience with your new prize.
Best of luck,
Mike B.
Also if anyone does have feedback for me, What would be My best bet on ammo for this rifle for what I’m using it for?
I’ve never used a 25-06 an I’m not a new hunter but I am new to the world of gun research. I’ve always just grabbed aimed and fired whatever I was handed, no questions. But with this being mine an not barrowed I want to know as much as I can. I know this rifle is going to be a lot more in every aspect then my lil’ .22Mag.
I’m purchasing the Marlin XL7C in 25-06. This is the first time I’m buying a brand new gun, That I have never shot. I hunt year round varmints an hogs. An then obviously I can’t pass up deer season! I wanted a rifle I could use to take care of all of these. Right now I have a Marlin .22Mag that I use for coyotes an hogs, but not legal for deer. Last season I used a .22-250 that I barrowed from a friend.
Has anyone used the XL7 in 25-06 yet?
I would like to know how it compares in recoil an sound and in accuracy to these other 2 rifles I’ve been shooting.
The dealer said it’s just the next step up from the 22-250. That tells me nothing an this guy has never shot this kind of gun… How would he know?
I’d just like some ‘real’ feedback about this gun. I’ve done my research on it online but there are no answers to my questions.
I appreciate any info on this, thank you all!
Update on the Marlin 7-08 youth with no rifling. Got it back from Marlin in two weeks in a new box, completely repackaged, looking like a new rifle. Had the same serial numbers on the action, so they definitely replaced the barrel with one with rifling. I immediately cleaned and inspected it. It took several patches to get it clean, so it was definitely test fired before Marlin sent it back.
We are very pleased with Marlins quick turn around on this manufacturing error under warranty. Marlin is absolutely back on my shopping list again!!
I just hope they keep making this fine rifles as I see many of the web sites listing them as “discontinued by manufacturer”. If Remington does away with these, then the new Savage Edge may be come the best buy for the poor man’s hunting rifle. Right now, the X guns have my vote for the best buy in a sporting rifle!
Would like to hear more from those of you that are starting to cusomize your Marlins. I am thinking about buying a Boyd’s Savage stock to see if the Marlin action and barrel can be fit. I really like the looks of their Laminate stocks. Anyone know anything about this, information would be greatly appreciated.
Bought a XL7 in a 308 Win youth stock. I like the shorter stock especially for use in the fall when you have more layers on, it doesent catch your shoulder as you bring it up. Have fired it some in that caliber. I had a Bbl in 250 Save that I bought from Midway for the Savage 110. They also fit the Marlin. It is a sweet shooter and a little Nostalgic.. You can also be a little more versatile with different barrels for the same gun. I also have a 243 barrel I can use also. Happy shooting
I purchased an XL7 youth model in 7mm-08 and put a 2×7 Leupold on it and am very impressed.
I am loading and shooting 120 grain Nosler Balistic Tip with great accuracy at 100 yards and the recoil is very light. The thing about the 7mm-08 is that you can also load it up with 140 or 150g Barns X and use a load that is very comperable with the 270 and the 280 in performance. In fact by the reloading specs and cartridge performance very close.
I thought about taking a picture, but didn’t know if it was worth the effort or not. It definitely had the smoothest, shiniest bore I have ever seen.
We’ll just wait and see how fast Remington/Marlin’s turnaround service is on this. This is the first time I have ever had to send a rifle back, which really says allot for American craftsmanship.
I be the gun was made either on Friday or Monday.
I recently purchased a XL7 in 7mm/08 youth model for my grandson. When I took it to the range, I could not get it on paper at any consistency. I hate to admit, that I did clean it right out of the box, but it was night and never looked down the bore, just kept cleaning until patches came through clean.
After several frustrating attempts to get it on paper, I finally looked down the barrel after running a boresnake down it and discovered it did NOT have any rifling!
I sent it back to Marlin in CT last week and am waiting for it to get a new barrel.
I will post more info about this rifle as soon as I get it back, inspect it and start breaking it in. Needless to say, my grandson was more than disappointed.
I can’t believe I was so stupid to not look down the bore before I bought it, or while I was cleaning it the first time. I always take a look when I buy used guns. The store was getting ready to close, it was after a late night at work and it was the last XS7 they had in stock, but live and learn!!
Mike, HAHA! That is a funny story. Did you take a photo?
Just bought an XL7 30.06 for deer/hog hunting, I will be using 180 grain loads. I lightened my trigger exactly 2 turns. Where do you thing my trigger now breaks ? maybe I can measure it with a Zebco deliar ?
I have a question, has anyone had a small pre-rease creap in the trigger pull? My xs7 7mm-08 does. And do you know how to correct this? Everything else seems great, the ajustable trigger is great and it shoots great.
Hello,
Does anyone know where in northern Illinois I can purchase
the Marlin XL-7 .270 ?
I have called Gartner Mountain,Bass Pro shop and Gat’s gun
with no luck. Any info would be appreciated.
“If marlin (Remington) were trully innovative they would have developed the “sure fire” long before the accu trigger. This gun is a clone, nothing more, and out of principle I will never buy one.”
If one wants to, the same can be said about anything, from firearms to margarine. Sure there is some ad hype here, but name me one manufacturere that isnt trying to sell their products and profit by it?
Personally, I am glad to see yet another competitor in the value rifle field – yet another maker putting out a quality American made product that serves the need. Instead of finding fault and complaining “on principle,” there should joy.So what if they’re not first… only one can ever be first.
But Marlin has had enough ‘firsts’ before any of us were born to qualify them as innovators. I cam live with that. Way to go Marlin!
Bryan P: Take a look at the Shooting Times Ballastic tables. They provide a pretty good spread of information about the various manufactured ammo for your rifle.
http://www.shootingtimes.com/ballistics/30_06.html
Hope this helps.
BTW, you stole that rifle at that price, well done! I have two XS7s, one in .308 and the other in 7mm-08. They both shoot sweet. The triggers are terrific too.
Happy Hunting,
Mike B.
i bought the xl7 rifle for $235 at my local gun shop right after Christmas just bought a scope for it today so i haven’t shot it yet, i have it in the 30-06 and i was wandering what ammo performs the best in the 30-06 from 180gr or lower
Eddie, I have Marlin XL7 in 25-06 and found that it did not shoot the 120 grain Remington Coreloks very well. My group ran around 3-4 inches. I went to the other end of the weight range and have found that it shoots the 75 and 85 grain bullets well. Next I am moving up to the 100 grain bullets. If it shoots them well, there are some good deer bullets at that weight.
I purchased the xl7c in 30-06 two weeks ago and put the new redfield 3x9x40 on it . I’ve had two days at the range with it and have shot 80 rounds all 180 grain , but three different brands. The cheap Remington corelokt, Winchester ballistic tip, and the barnes triple shock. The barnes triple shock were far more accurate and consistent for me all the way out two 300 yds. I didn’t have very good results with the other two and wouldn’t recommend them. All in all I love the gun and the new redfield scope , I don’t think there is a better setup for under 500,and really it shoots as good as my dads 1500 setup.
Brent
I have been doing some internet surfing for the XL7W and the rifle is very hard to find? If I do find one they want $500.00 plus! I’m really sold on the walnut. Any ideas on where to find a more reasonable price?
I just purchased a xl7 25-06 what type and what grain of bullet does any one recommend to use for white tail deer in the south east. Thanks for all your help.
I just dropped by Academy last night to purchase an XS7 in .243. They were out of them all across town. When I asked when they would be getting any more in, the salesman told me that they were closing them out and wouldn’t be selling them anymore. They only had a 7mm-08 left in stock and sold it to me for $281 out the door including tax, $259 before tax. Other stores had some .270s in stock around town, but this was the last Marlin bolt this store had in stock. Rumor has it that Remington won’t be making any more of these. Go figure, the salesman at Academy said they had been the hottest selling rifle they had to sell, at the best price. He also said that he has not received any complaints at all on any of the Marlins they sold over the last two years.
We shoud verify if it is true that Marlin/Remington is really stopping production on these fine inexpensive rifles. I still want a .270 and .243, if I can still find them, when I have the money to buy them, especially at the current Academy price!
Has anyone heard anything on this disturbing rumor, for sure?
Hi all……….just dropped the cash for an XL7 .270. I have been using a Marlin 1895C .45-70, but it’s too much for East Coast deer. I wanted to caliber down, and also set up for longer, flatter shots.
I went Marlin again based on my experience with the 1895C (fantastic!!) and the reviews I’ve seen on the XL7.
It’s a beautiful rifle.
Can’t wait for the season to start again!
Mike,
Really appreciate the help. You have me thinking twice about the camo rifle and scope. Maybe the wood.
Rich
Academy has a Nikon in real tree camo:
http://www.academy.com/index.php?page=content&target=products/outdoors/hunting/optics/scopes&start=16&selectedSKU=0369-02076-6312
They list it a $189.99, for a few dollars more you can upgrade from the 3-9X40 to the 3-9X50 or from the Prostaff to the Buckmaster.
When you want the camo finish, you start limiting yourself to scopes more towards varmit hunting. I have leupold, nikon, pentax and bushnell scopes and have no complaints with any of them, you get what you pay for. I have a real preference for leupold and nikon, but I have several Pentax that I bought on ebay and am quite impressed with them for the low price I got them for.
I like buying at Academy and Walmart or a gun shop that lets you look at and through the scope to see how clear the lenses are and how well they stay on focus when you change magnification. For some of the stuff I shoot, I like the mil-dot or BDC that comes with many scopes.
A good set of rings and mounts is just as important as the scope, get something solid and reliable that will keep the scope aligned properly with the barrel, especially for hunting, where it will get knocked around a bit.
My Marlin .308 has a Pentax 3.5 -10 X 50 on it, I used the Leupold steel mounts and rings which work very well.
The most popular variable scope is the 3-9 X 40 or 50. Most of us use around 4 to 6 power, sight it in and leave it there for the type and range of hunting we will be doing. I sight in for 200 yards, which is about 1.5 or 2 inches high at 100 yards. For hunting larger game, that usually works best.
Good luck with your new Marlin. Hope you enjoy it as much as the rest of us are enjoying ours. Great gun, at any price!
I am purchasing a Marlin XL7C and am interested in what scope you guys recommend for it. I’d like it in camo to match and am looking for something clean, accurate, easy to take care of and sight in. Also what king of mounts are recommended? Mostly for deer hunting in Minnesota. Appreciate your help
I just got the marlin .270 from our local gun shop and so far i would have to say i am not pleased. it has misfired on me 6 times and i have only pulled the trigger 8 times. im swapping it out for another one tomorrow. maybe i just got a bad gun. its not the ammo because i swapped that one out too.
I bought a Marlin .270 at Acadamy in Joplin, MO. So far it has done me alot of good, But I am wondering what would be the weight of bullet for deer?
Merry Christmas Gentlemen,
Well since purchasing my two XL,s I have been bitten by the reloading bug and have been working on loads for the .270 and 30-06. I have found a good recipe for the .270 and have been shooting a lot at my local range.
This firearm continues to improve with each trip to the range. I am now shooting consistent 3 shot groups at 100 yards with a .368” spread. This is way more than I had expected. I have enjoyed this firearm since the day I bought it.
I will be starting the 30-06 loads after the first of the year and am looking forward to developing a load for it. I really enjoy shooting these firearms ! I am amazed with the accuracy of these guns considering the low cost.
Here is the load that works good in this gun;
Bullet Grains Case Primer Powder Grains
Nosler 140 Fed CCI-200 RL-22 57.6
Ballistic Tip
Velocity Spread
2959 .368
Just one more comment and I feel it is the most important. No matter if you hand load or shoot factory ammo when you boil it all down it’s about one thing. Practice, practice, practice! This will make you a more confident and accurate shooter, whether punching paper or a perfectly placed shot on game. You can never substitute time in at the range.
Have a Happy New Year !
Coach P
Estaban, I bought a box a couple of months ago at Academy, here in San Antonio. Since we are pretty much into deer season or most of the way through it by now, the best hunting ammo usually gets sucked up first and fast.
I don’t think you will be disappointed with the range and knock down power of most of the popular ammo in Rem, Win, or Federal in 150 to 170 grain blunt/soft nose rounds. They are very effectiive out to 200 yards, which is usually where most of us hunt for white tail in the brush or woods. The advantage of the shorter barreled 336 is its light weight, short barrel allows for quick shouldering and rapid sighting in tighter hunting surroundings. The lever also helps speed up getting a second round in the chamber. That’s why most of us used the lever guns with open sights most of the time, so you can get that quick shot off at traveling game, up close.
The less expensive rounds are also fun to practice with for cowboy action and other fun events.
Get some ammo and get out there and enjoy that great used gun you bought for less than half retail! Also, go to the Marlin Arms sight and download the manual for it, so you have the proper instructions for partially disassembling it for cleaning. If your rifle is a newer model, it will have microgroove stamped on the barrel. You will need to use jacketed ammo with the micro barrel to get the best ballistic and accurate performance from your rifle.
Have a very Merry Christmas,
Mike Boyd and Family
Esteban, hello I live in Ohio,and my local gun shop is the Fin feather&fur they have the leverevolution ammo in most of the time but I do know they are in and out from time to time I have seen it at Dicks sporting goods as well also the sportsmans den in Shelby Ohio I dont know where you live but I believe Dicks is a national chain I believe. I cant stress enough how good that ammo is, if you are familiar at all w/ ballistics you can see what I am talking about. Depending where you live, me being in Ohio I am not allowed a rifle for deer only muzzle loader or slug gun so I have to go to W.V. or P.A. to use my lever guns on deer but I can use them on coyotes no shortage of them around, but I have 4x nikon pro staff on the 45-70 but I did have a Burris ballistiplex which I traded and wish I had not, not that the nikon is not a good choice but the new ammo makes these lever guns a legit 300 yard gun in the right hands not that I am endorsing that long of a shot but its more than capable now, so we will leave it at that.Good luck in finding the ammo I am sure you will enjoy the gun and hope this info helps.Merry Christmas to all, Toad
Toad, that’s exactly what I’m looking for. I spent some time yesterday night looking for the 30-30 in leverevolution but, it seems that they are sold out everywhere. I’ve already check with Cabela’s, Able’s, and Midway USA but they got the item in back-order. I’ve read great reviews about this ammo. I’m just having a hard time finding it. Do you know where can I get it?
Esteban, Do yourself a favor and check out the Hornady lever evolution ammo made specifically for the different lever calibers I have a marlin 1895 in 45-70 and got some of this ammo it is awesome.Go to hornadys web sight it shows all the ballistics charts for all the calibers offered compared to traditional lever ammo its pretty impressive I personally have hunted white tail w/ this ammo in 30-30 and 45-70 it will put the smack down on about anything you wanna hunt in North America ,now dont get me wrong I still like my 270 but it seems more nastolgic taking down a deer w/ the old lever gun I wish you the best and safest hunts. Toad
You got an awesome deal, Estaban, I am sure you will enjoy the 336. I bought one recently at a pawn shop that looked new, made in 1986 for $275 with a two rifle aluminum case and thought I was doing well.
I am sure you will enjoy it for years to come.
Merry Christmas,
From the Boyd Family
Mr Boyld:
Last moment decision:
I bought a marlin 336 30-30 used with a Simmons scope 4-12×40 for $200 in a wood case. I’m still getting the xl7, but I’m gonna have to wait a few months.
Thank you for the help!
Dustlove, why don’t I just come hunt with you and I can show you how the 30.06 works, ha. Just kidding. Any of the Remington Core Lokt PSP bullets perform well out to 100-300 yards in 150 grain, 165 or 180. And, they are reasonably priced. You should get a good group with either. Zero in at 200 (2 inches high at 100) and you don’t lose much more than 8-9 inches at 300 yards for either of the three (per the ballistic tables and from my experience the tables are fairly close) depending on barrel length. I’m sure others can give you good advice on their experiences. Enjoy the hunt and great choice on the gun. Don’t know what scope but would guess it is a Bushnell. If it is a Leupold Ranger of Nikon Pro Staff you just got a heck of a deal. Let us know.
Dustlove;
What an awesome deal you got. I believe the scope is most likely a Bushnell Banner. That is what came with my Savage 7mm package gun. It is a lower end scope, but should work great for the shooting you are planning on doing.
At the range you mentioned, the good old Remington 150 grain core Lokt or Winchester 150 grain power points or Federal 150 grain power shock. They are all available at Walmart for less than $20 a box of 20. All three are soft point bullets and should do the job just fine out to 400 yards. I recommend the 150 grain, because they don’t kick as hard as the 165 and 180 grain.
I went by Walmart earlier this week and their ammo case was packed full of almost everything in rifle and pistol ammo except for .45 and 380 ACP.
Good luck with that sweet rifle, I am sure it will serve you well, just keep it clean and well preserved.
Have a very Merry Christmas
Thanks for all of the information.
I just ordered the Marlin XL7 30-06 Combo (with Scope, its a 3-9×40) for 289.00. WOOHOO. Last one at the distributor in AL! They were going to sell it to me for 319.99 and said the holiday discount did not apply to special orders. When we got to the register the computer gave me the discount!!!! Im not sure what brand scope will come on it, If anyone knows please reply. I have never killed a deer before but a buddy has some wonderful green fields and there are many bucks waiting on this 30-06. I am so excited! If any of you have any suggestions on the grain count / type of tip to shoot please let me know. All shots should be between 75 and 150 yrds.
Thanks again guys
Brad,
I have just put a Marlin Xl7 30-06 with scope on hold today a dick’s. They gave me the combo price of $319.99 but did not tell me what the scope was. The manager said he would match the deal with the Leupold scope (which i assume is nicer than the combo) if i could get a store name location and or print out of the invoice. Can you email that to me dustlove [at] gmail [dot] com?
Your help is appreciated. Man im excited about this gun
Estaban,
I don’t think you will be disappointed. There are several reports on this site from happy Marlin XL7 .30-06 owners.
Years ago, I shot ground hogs in Central PA with my 06 using Reminton Accelerators. My round of preference in the mountains of Nortern PA was Remington 180 grain core lokts. Here in Texas, I am using Hornady 165 gr SSTLMs. They are twice the price of the Remingtons and Winchesters, but shoot as flat as most .270′s or 7mm Magnums.
I would recommend you break your new gun in with cheaper ammo at a range, running a bore snake down the bore after each round, for twenty rounds, then clean thoroughly every 3 to 5 rounds until you have about 50 rounds through it. After that, your groups should really be tight for final sight-in for hunting.
I only have 20 rounds through my Marlin so far and the groups already are below 1.5 inches at 100 yards. I am also breaking in a 7mm mag and a new .22LR Bull barrel and the weather has sucked on my days off, so not much progress, I’m afraid.
Hope you have a great Christmas Estaban, enjoy that new rifle and let us know what scope you went with, don’t scrimp here, there a plenty of decent scopes around $200 or less and some terrific scopes around $300, Leaupold and Nikon heading up the list in Mid-range scopes.
Felice Navidad,
Mike Boyd