I've not owned a 783, but I've handled a few at the gun shop. They feel a little bulky in my hands compared to the Ruger American. I have little doubt they shoot well, but I'd buy the American every time. Especially since stainless rifles will be hitting the shelves in March
So do the Marlins, plus you can easily rebarrel them with most Savage 110 series barrels. I have a Marlin XS7 in 22-250 with a 1-9" ROT via a rechambered Stevens 200 223 barrel.
if you shoot the 783 you'll find it shoots as well as most any Ruger American which is quite good.. they look like they shouldn't but they do
at least as far as the 3 I've seen in person
a plus is that the 783 uses a std recoil lug so aftermarket stocks are already being made by Boyds if you just can't stand the Tupperware stock.
now if someone would just makes a trigger for it as I hate the savage Accu trigger style myself
one thing I don't understand is their pricing is a bit high.. given you can get a 700 ADL here at Academy Sports for $379 ever day.?? they need to drop the 770 series and bring the 783 price down to that level..then it would sell pretty well I bet.
the Marlin is an excellent choice ...Nice rifles that shoot well and looks better than either the 783 or American.