I'll keep this as short as possible . After hearing so much good about the Marlin XL/XS7 I bought a XL7C 25-06 in early January ($319.00). I put a 5 X 15 Bushnell Elite on it. The first trip to the range I had 4 miss fires ,3 with factory ammo 1 with a hand load. Despite my best hand loading efforts groups were running about 3" and the gun showed no signs of wanting to shoot. I called Marlin and ask about getting a stronger firing pin spring at the same time I asked about the accuracy. The guy I talked to was great he said they wanted to look at and shoot the gun and assured me if there was a issue it would be resolved. I sent the gun in on 1-18-10 with a letter explaining the issues and a sample target. I asked them to replace the firing pin spring and test shoot it and requested there test target on return. It was returned on 2-4-10 with a document indicating they had found accuracy issues and that it " miss fires at times ". They replaced the barrel and striker and did a function check and test fire. They sent a photo of a group shot at 40 yards and included the flap off the box of Remington ammo they used to test it. The group was one ragged hole. There was a handwritten note stating the 100 yard range was down for repairs . I took the gun to the range tonight, after a few shots to get on at 100 yards I shot a group that measured 1.29" this despite 15-20 mph winds and using a folding table as a bench.
I Can't imagine how they could have handled this any better. Quick turn around , complete resolution of the issues and my complete satisfaction. Based on all I have read about the Marlin rifle its obvious I just got a bad one. Its good to know that Marlin will stand behind there product. I see this as just one more positive reason to buy a Marlin rifle. I'm planning on picking up a XS7C in 308. Thought you guys might like to know. Good hunting KH

Great service, but factory QC is, as with others, disturbing.

I agree. See my dad's Remington CDL SF debacle in the African thread. I'm of the opinion that if its not a Sako A series, I'm not interested.

Cool beans...
Need to take my daughters out and shoot it,,, Still have not gotten that handled...

Whew! The title had me spooked.
Low buck as they are I wonder why Marlin didn't just replace the gun and keep the faulty one.
Glad it all worked out.

Generally when the price is low, QC is also low. This doesn't mean a bad deal, just that once in a while you'll draw a turkey. If you want every rifle purchased to be great, then you have to spend more than $300.

Good post Mule Deer...

I can truly respect a person that tells you how it is...

would have been nice if they'd caught that dog before it left the kennel, but the service/response is impressive.

I have read on 2 other forums about misfires from the Marlin XL7. Apparently this is a QC issue. Good to know they have fast turn around times and took care of the customer.

So you're saying Kimber should be charging no more than $300 for theirs?

$300 is a bit high.....


Ingwe

Judging from my sample of one Kimber I'd say you're right. I did just buy a NIB XL-7 in 25-06 for $256 though so it's nice to know that if there is a QC issue Marlin will handle it well.

" Kimber Roulette" I believe Ive heard it called....

Ingwe

It's good to hear a great service report for a change!