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Late in 2008, I went shopping for a new rifle. I wanted something in a strong, prevalent chambering that was light weight, capable, and accurate. Also, keeping in mind that I am on a budget, I wanted something affordable.
At a local sporting goods store, I discovered that Marlin Firearms had just produced a new bolt action rifle, the XL7, in .25-06, .270 Win, and .30-06 chamberings. Usually, when I think of Marlin, I typically think of lever action rifles or semi-auto .22's. So, I was surprised to see this new XL7 series (now called the X7 series).
As I began to look it over, I found a myriad of very positive attributes. It is light weight, approximately 6.5 lbs., and well balanced. It has an outstanding trigger and very smooth action. It has a good synthetic stock for all-condition use with a very nice recoil pad. The barrel is six groove with a target crown. And, the action is set on aluminum pillars. It's bang-for-buck price is unbeatable at or around the $300 mark. And, I especially like the blue Marlin tag that came in the box that reads "Made in U.S.A."
The first thing I did when I got home with this rifle was to top it with an inexpensive scope I had laying about and head off to sight it in. I hadn't had this rifle but a few weeks when I had the opportunity to take it coyote hunting with factory ammo.
Beginning in 2009, I began load testing to find an inexpensive, yet accurate load and mounted a better quality scope. Then, I began to put the Marlin XL7 through its paces to see if it was going to be worth having. The video below is just one of those tests.
To date, I have carried this Marlin XL7 .30-06 as my primary hunting rifle for anything coyote size and larger. It has taken an 8pt mule deer in 2009, 8pt mule deer in 2010, and a 7pt mule deer in 2012. (The 2011 mule deer was taken with a .50 cal. Hawken muzzleloader.)
Bang for the buck, this is one of the best rifles on the market. To make things even more interesting, Marlin has added to this line with the XS7 series in .243, 7mm-08, and .308. Also, these rifles are available in camo synthetic, stainless, and youth models. There is also a heavy barreled varmint model in .22-250 and .308.
So, if you're looking for a good shooting, inexpensive bolt-action rifle, take a look at the Marlin X7 series of rifles. I think you'll be glad you did.
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