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I stopped by the local Gander Mountain today, killing some time so I fondled a few rifles. I hadn't seen the new XPR in person but if they shoot, they appear to be a decent option to Tikka. The stock seemed much stiffer than the RAR, Axis and other bargain rifles. From what I've read they only come in 270, 30-06, 300 win mag and 338 win mag at the moment. If they'd come out with them in 260, 7-08 or 308 I may be interested. Price was 499 but Gander is always about 20% high.

Just wondering if anyone had given one a workout yet.
FWIW, the small dealer wholesale price for the XPRs is $399+/- or $529+/- when packaged with a Vortex 3-9x40.
That's good to know. I see where BPS has them for $450. The 270 and 30-06 come in 24" bbls, I hope they come out with some SA versions with 22". The one I handled felt similar in smoothness and construction as a Tikka. The short bolt throw, smooth bolt, position of the safety, plastic magazine...all felt Tikka-esque, for about $100-150 less. To me it definitely felt like an upgrade over a Ruger American. As much as everyone raves about the RAR, I just can't stand the flimsy forend and cheap feeling magazine.
The RAR-Predators that I've shot have all been very accurate. Of all of the recent production entry-level CF rifles, I really like the Marlin X guns and don't understand the logic of the decision to drop it from the Marlin line and morph it into the Remington 783.
Originally Posted by 260Remguy
Of all of the recent production entry-level CF rifles, I really like the Marlin X guns and don't understand the logic of the decision to drop it from the Marlin line and morph it into the Remington 783.


+1000!
Originally Posted by 260Remguy
The RAR-Predators that I've shot have all been very accurate. Of all of the recent production entry-level CF rifles, I really like the Marlin X guns and don't understand the logic of the decision to drop it from the Marlin line and morph it into the Remington 783.


RIGHT!?!?!?!?

I shot most of the recent CF offerings except the XPR. When the Marlin X rifles came out I shot an early model. At the time, I thought the bolt could have been smoother. Later production models did have smoother bolts. I shot an early version of the 783 and I thought, "hum? the bolt could be smoother" The Remlin rep said "What were you expecting a 700?" I have a theory. Unlike Ruger who is interested in putting forth a good solid product, I believe the big R folks are holding back to keep the sales of the 700 up. I will say this, I liked the trigger on the 783 a lot more than that of a recent 700 I've shot.

Even Savage is putting an AccuTrigger in their Axis product to put a better product on the shelves. I've shot a few RAR, Axis, and other models at my local range while helping folks sight in their rifles. The XPR has still eluded me. I'm thinking I may need a new 338 soon :-)

Late in last hunting season (in Montana), Bob Foulkrod from Winchester Legends TV used a .270 Winchester version of the XPR on a mule deer hunt with a good friend's brother. The feedback I got was that it was an impressive weapon for such a modest price. Accuracy was stellar and it operated smoothly. If it sells well, I bet you'll see short actions and stainless versions soon. I hope so. We can use more variety in the rifle market, especially at working folks' prices.
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