Bolt action magazine fed Marlin 22 XTR Vs 22 XTVr.

[phishroy]

Bolt action magazine fed Marlin 22 XTR Vs 22 XTVR.
Ok I need some insight from current owners of these models.
Im looking to buy a squirrel gun that can deliver squirrel sized head shots at 25 to about 100 yards.
I would buy another CZ but I’m to worried about dinging up the beautiful stock on these tack drivers.
Ive narrowed my options to the marlin XT bolt model synthetic stock since I don’t have to worry too much if it gets wet and dinged.
Im looking for some input from people that own the XTR and the XTVR models.
The marlin website lists both models as identically weighing 6lb, I find that strange since the RV model has a bull barrel from what I read.
Does the RV model have a different crown than the R model?
The VR model is listed as microgroove while there is no indication of microgroove on the R model.
Does the XTR model have microgroove?
At this point im leaning towards getting the XTVR model if the website is correct and it does really weight 6 lb with the bull barrel. I would be scoping it so no need for iron sights and they may only get in the way. It seems like it would be inherently more accurate but I would appreciate information from people that own these guns.
Thank you

 

[.22LRGUY]

Since I don't own either rifle, perhaps you're not interested in my input...but I shoot allot of 22, 17HMR and some 17M2. I spent an entire week in the west shooting ground squirrels with my CZ452 Varmint this past spring, mostly at the distances you mentioned wanting to shoot squirrels here in Ontario. Not the same, but not 100% different either. Whether it's a CZ or one of the Marlins you end-up with, I think the quality of the trigger, and how well the gun likes the particular ammo will make all the difference in the world, IF 100 yard head shots with a 22 are actually on the "to do" list for you. I also think your concerns about weight are well-founded, as shooting varmint-weight/HB guns off hand isn't something you probably want to be doing much of. I'm curious to hear what owners of these guns have to say.

On a related note, my 17HMR is a Marlin 917 heavy barrel...and part of the reason I chose that (slightly older) model is because I could put a Rifle Basix trigger in it. A few months back, I tracked-down the exact same model in 17M2, and I'll have the same trigger on it's way to me in a couple of weeks hopefully. I think if every varmint I was shooting needed minute-of-squirrel-noggin accuracy, I'd probably leave the 22 at home. However, in my case, 22 had to get it done due to the number of gophers I was told to expect. So, my CZ452 got a Yo Dave trigger and ALLOT of ammo testing/range time. Long story short, I'm of the opinion that weight is a huge factor, but only one factor.

Keep us posted on what you find out, and post photos of the gun when you have it. Would love to see some squirrel hunting pics when the time comes too!

 

[phishroy]

I agree with you completely about finding the right ammo that shoots consistent with the gun but just trying to stack the ods in my favor.
I owned a few cz 452’s with the yodav trigger kit in both the 17 hmr and hm2, loved the rifles to bits. lazar trajectory and extremely accurate with an heirloom beauty that I was almost afraid to take them hunting.
The price of pinking with the hmr just became too much and availability of the hm2 become scarce and price shot up over $5/box fast.
I prefer the 22 lr since I can also take the rifle to the range and go through a brick of 22lr in a day without braking the bank. I don’t mind the range time for learning the rifle and its trajectory and finding what ammo it likes etc. I enjoy it

 

[.22LRGUY]

I agree with you completely about finding the right ammo that shoots consistent with the gun but just trying to stack the ods in my favor.
I owned a few cz 452’s with the yodav trigger kit in both the 17 hmr and hm2, loved the rifles to bits. lazar trajectory and extremely accurate with an heirloom beauty that I was almost afraid to take them hunting.
The price of pinking with the hmr just became too much and availability of the hm2 become scarce and price shot up over $5/box fast.
I prefer the 22 lr since I can also take the rifle to the range and go through a brick of 22lr in a day without braking the bank. I don’t mind the range time for learning the rifle and its trajectory and finding what ammo it likes etc. I enjoy it

I can relate on the love of the CZs...and hunting them. I baby mine, but the gopher trip resulted in a few superficial bumps and rub marks. They honestly don't bother me but on the other hand, when rain started one day, I SPRINTED back to the rental truck. So I'm personally not too hung up on it, but I certainly see where you're coming from. So you have a 452 in 17M2 eh? Hmm...if you ever decide to sell that thing, message me first. First time I ever bought 17M2 ammo it was maybe $6.99 a box...maybe $7.99. Just saw it listed at a CGN sponsor (now sold out) for $11.49 for ammo from the last Hornady run. What a shame.

Still, a 452 in 17M2 is my dream combo...in spite of ammo availability.