Just Recieved a $500 bonus...which rifle to buy?

[Home3]

So far, I'm leaning toward the Marlin XL7/XS7 in 243. I'm not a fan of blind mags but otherwise the Marlins look like a solid rifle.
I'd buy a better scope, but I sold all my hunting rifles a while ago. Long story.

Unfortunately, Marlin's blind mag. is pron to loading problems when loading in a hurry.(not feeding problems, but loading). At least my 30-06 is.

I wonder if long action/short action calibers load differently in a blind Mag?

 

[Dogleg]

Agreed. It is a far better hunting cartridge than the 243.

Ted

Which doesn't take much.

For $500 I don't think you can beat a tupperware Vanguard. Actually, for $700 I still don't think you can beat a tupperware Vanguard.

 

[Why not?]

Have both, and the Marlin has a much better trigger, and a far stiffer stock as well.

Having said that, there is nothing wrong with the Vanguard, and it does have a hinged floorplate/trigger guard, for those who prefer that.

Ted

 

[stickhunter]

Yes. What he said. Not sure what XL7/XS7 go for these days.

Epps has them for $366, which seems like a steal for what you get. If the stainless XS7S/XL7S would start showing up so we know what they'll be priced at, things could get interesting...

 

[Why not?]

Our local emporium had a fabulous sale on them here recently........for even less, right here in town! I understand they are now a contributing dealer here, too.

Ted

 

[Home3]

Epps has them for $366, which seems like a steal for what you get. If the stainless XS7S/XL7S would start showing up so we know what they'll be priced at, things could get interesting...

I didn't know you can still buy XL/XS 7's at this price. I can't emphasize enough, what a good vale it is as an entry level bolt action gun. Other than the above-mentioned tight blind mag, I can't find any fault with this gun and I have been shooting it for two years now.

Why people pass competent and quality (for value) guns like XL7 and Stevens 200, and purchase 770 and Mossberg 100 ATR for the same price, is beyond me.

 

[svehn]

I really like the vanguards. They fit me nice and seem to balance well for me. Definitely go with the 25-06. Great caliber. Plenty of knockdown power, with lighter recoil.