Not sure if you're in a hurry to get it, but Whittakers Guns in Owensboro, KY shows a stainless Marlin XS7 on their website in 7mm -08 for $270.99. Not sure bet I'd bet they would ship. Even with shipping and FFL fees you should have plenty left for good rings and some managed recoil loads. It isn't a compact though. Just figured I'd pass the info along!
+1.
