I've been casually looking for an economically priced bolt rifle in 30-06 as a backup/loaner. I didn't want RAR, Mossberg, TC Compass, Axis or XPR rifles for various reasons. I just figured I'd wait till something came along that suited me.

Just for the heck of it, I stopped at a local shop today and found my backup. They had a used/new Marlin XL7 in 30-06. A quick negotiation and I walked out with it for $279. For a cheap gun, it's a nice little rifle. Just happen to have a Burris FF11 3-9x40 3P#4 looking for a home and a bunch of Speer 165gr. Deep Curls that need a job.

Hopefully all these components combine to make for an accurate and dependable rifle.

There was a Marlin XL7 in 25-06 that looked brand new in my area and as usual I hesitated......

I would have been on that 25-06 like white on rice.

In the first year or two that they were available I remember seeing one in .280 Rem on gunbroker, and I too hesitated. Oh well.

XL7=Remington 783....so you know....nice shooting rifles.

TC Vangaurd is another budget priced rifle that shoots well

Have you tried to find a Stevens Model 200 lately?

I got one of those, that I bought from a friend.... gave $500.00 for it... but it came with 4 Savage take off barrels also...

I also have a Marlin XL 7, which was in a 270... was seriously looking at ordering a fast twist 24 inch barrel from Douglas, chambered in 6mm Rem