In a couple of weeks our WT and elk seasons open up, so in preparation for that I picked up a new Marlin XS7 in 7mm-08 for my father (he has decided that he would like to start hunting) as his first CF rifle. We grabbed a Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40 and threw it in some Burris sig. rings on top of a picatinny rail. I took it back to my house, gave the bore a thorough cleaning to get out all the metal shavings and oil from the factory, and then applied some UBC. There won't be time to develop a load for it before deer/elk season, so we also picked up a couple of boxes of Federal blue box 150gr Speer HC.

We took it out to the range yesterday and after bore-sighting it and getting on paper at 85 yards, we moved back to 200 yards. My dad is new to shooting, and I taught him the shooting technique fundamentals on his .22 during the summer. Well he shot a few groups at 200 yards with the Fed factory ammo, and toward the end of the shooting session he shot a 1.37" 3-shot group. I was impressed to say the least!

As we were getting ready to pack up, we spotted this guy 155 yards away at 9 o'clock (forgive the cell phone pic).

Can't think of a better way to end off the first range session with my father's first rifle, nor a better way to bloody the gun for the first time!

Considering that the Marlin's competitors were all double the price, there was just no way for me to justify buying anything else (in the entry-level range). All the reviews are consistent with my experience so far- the trigger is great, maybe not Tikka T3 great, but really good none-the-less. Just a hair of creep. The action is smooth and solid. No plastic in the action. Synthetic stock feels quite stiff considering the price of the rifle. The recessed crown is nice. All up, this rifle is lighter than my Tikka T3 Lam/SS by 2 ounces. The Marlin came with a pic. rail and trigger lock. When it's shooting 1.3" groups at 200 yards, and for $390, I can't complain at all!

great story and the pic is fine. Good luck to your father with his tack driving new rifle!

Great story and a nice pic to seal the deal.

Hey that resembles my Ex.....thanks

Cool.

Mean lookin little bugger 'eh...I mean the Badger.

Jordan,

Thanks for taking the time to help a new hunter get started. The memories and times you guys spend together hunting will last forever.

Good for you for doing that for your Dad.A son every Dad would want.Pleasant surprise for a $400 rifle

My brother also decided that he wants to start hunting this year, along with my dad, so I went with him tonight to pick up another XS7, this time in .308, as well as a few other goodies to get him started. I'll report back after seeing how this one shoots

excellent outing. that bajjah sure has some claws ...

Nice outing. A friend needs a rifle that fits. So his brother and myself recommended the Marlin XS7Y in 7-08, ordered it for him yesterday. He's selling his current rifle to his brother which was originally mine....that's a whole 'nother story.

The rifle's going to cost him $300. For that kind of accuracy you have to ask why not. After he shoots and he we see what the rifle does I may just have to pick one up in 25-06, just because. I wish they made it in a lh youth model for my oldest son.

All reports on this rifle seem awfully positive

Here is the target of the best group I fired with my brother's .308 this evening. At 200 yards.



And here's the picture of the group fired by the 7mm-08 the other day:

Very good shooting with both rifles.