Welcome to the Forum and YES...Get an XS-7
Howdy All,
I'm either going to get an AK soon due to concerns about a new ban on those rifles post November or a bolt .308. I decided against the Rem. 770, Savage Axis or whatever it's called, and Mossberg ATR. It looks like it's between the Marlin X7 and the Stevens 200. Does the Marlin have something over the Stevens?
Best,
Semi
It doesn't seem to matter the caliber, any and all that own or have shot the Marlin 'X' line of rifles will report that $ 4 $, you won' t find a better quality rifle for less than double the price of the Marlin. I wonder if the bedding & free-floated barrel has anything to do with it?
An XS in 7mm-08 and an XL in 30-06 reside here with Rems, Brownings, etc. The little .284 caliber will keep them in one hole...all day long with a load I developed for it. In fact...it doesn't seem to be real fussy with several other rounds it's been fed.
A good AK will set you back over a grand for a billet receiver and around $650 for a stamped one. It boils down to whether you want an all-around rilfe for hunting/target use or a SHTF defensive unit.
The only "caution" I can offer is to forget the package deal with the economy scope and mount an optic of higher quality. When you do, make sure you remove the rail (if attached) and do a thorough job of degreasing the threads of the holes in the receiver and screws, then add a tiny bit of Lok-Tite when you reassemble to mount the scope. That's been the primary concern/problem I've heard reported with the X's accuracy = oil/grease on the mount screws. Scope movement makes any shooter/weapon look pitiful. The XS has the factory rail while the '06 has a set of Talley ring mounts secured directly to the rifle. You'll need medium rings for
most scope applications, although I've got high rings that provide minimal clearance on the 6-20 X 50 scope on the XL.
There should be others to 'chime in' to offer their experiences/thoughts/comments. And should you go from "semipacifist" to a regular range or woods & field type...you may stick with the light-weight factory stock or choose to dress your XS by trading a Franklin for a Boyd's wood laminate stock or $120 for a beautiful piece of solid walnut. Momma's 7mm sports the factory stock (not too much longer?) & my XL rests in a Boyd's Featherweight Thumb Hole in pepper laminate. Hole spacing for mounts is same as Winchester Mdl 70.
http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/Replacement-Stocks-for-Marlin-Rifles-s/124.htm
Buy now...'cause the prices aren't coming down and your new rifle (properly cared for) will only appreciate in value!