A Review of the Marlin XL 7 Rifle for Hunting

The Marlin XL 7 rifle was a welcome candidate for evaluation, holding the potential of good value for money. The price as advertised is $300 and the rifle is worth it. Bob tested a 30-06 which he feels is the best all around cartridge for the average hunter. It provides enough power for any big game, given the proper load, without excessive recoil. Also, ammo is available at any store that sells ammunition.  

The Marlin XL 7 rifle has a composite stock which isn’t as pretty as wood but is much more durable, especially in bad weather. The adjustable trigger and the recessed crown on the muzzle are great additions.  The pillar bedding and the staggered column magazine are features found on more expensive rifles.

At 7 lb., this Marlin is a handy rifle to carry on various hunting trips especially where the terrain is rugged. The 22-inch barrel and receiver are blued, but not with the shiny stuff that could spook a deer. As many hunters know, any unnatural noise or sight in the woods will chase a deer to the next county, especially if it has a rack. Deer don’t grow large racks by being stupid.

 As they say the proof of the pudding is in the eating, so Bob and his friend took the XL 7 rifle to the range for accuracy and function testing. They mounted a 3 X 9 Redfield scope on it to enhance the testing procedures. Both factory ammo and handloads were used to give the testers a good idea what to expect.

After sighting in at 100 yards, the two men fired test groups using bullets from 125 to 220 grains. While Bob considers the 180 grain the best all around for most hunting, some of the other weights performed quite well.

The test consisted of three shot groups, because this is a hunting rifle as opposed to a target model. After all, in a hunting situation if you don’t get your game with three shots, a few more probably won’t help you. The rifle shot groups ranged from 3/4 inch to 1 1/2 inches, depending on the load and bullet.

When you are planning a hunt, it is important to practice and see which ammo your rifle likes the best. Of course the bullet has to match the game also. Handloading is a great way to cut down the cost of ammo, which will allow you to get in more practice.  If you obtain three shot groups of an inch with a $300 rifle then you should be happy. A well-known truth is that most guns can outshoot their owners, especially from a hunting position.

Bob highly recommends the Marlin for someone on a budget. It proved to be accurate and reliable with no malfunctions of any kind. In spite of its relatively light weight recoil, it wasn’t bad because of the pad it wears. Bob can see using this gun on various hunting trips from deer to wild boar.       

A Review of the Marlin XL 7 Rifle for Hunting

The Marlin XL 7 rifle was a welcome candidate for evaluation, holding the potential of good value for money. The price as advertised is $300 and the rifle is worth it. Bob tested a 30-06 which he feels is the best all around cartridge for the average hunter. It provides enough power for any big game, given the proper load, without excessive recoil. Also, ammo is available at any store that sells ammunition.  

The Marlin XL 7 rifle has a composite stock which isn’t as pretty as wood but is much more durable, especially in bad weather. The adjustable trigger and the recessed crown on the muzzle are great additions.  The pillar bedding and the staggered column magazine are features found on more expensive rifles.

At 7 lb., this Marlin is a handy rifle to carry on various hunting trips especially where the terrain is rugged. The 22-inch barrel and receiver are blued, but not with the shiny stuff that could spook a deer. As many hunters know, any unnatural noise or sight in the woods will chase a deer to the next county, especially if it has a rack. Deer don’t grow large racks by being stupid.

 As they say the proof of the pudding is in the eating, so Bob and his friend took the XL 7 rifle to the range for accuracy and function testing. They mounted a 3 X 9 Redfield scope on it to enhance the testing procedures. Both factory ammo and handloads were used to give the testers a good idea what to expect.

After sighting in at 100 yards, the two men fired test groups using bullets from 125 to 220 grains. While Bob considers the 180 grain the best all around for most hunting, some of the other weights performed quite well.

The test consisted of three shot groups, because this is a hunting rifle as opposed to a target model. After all, in a hunting situation if you don’t get your game with three shots, a few more probably won’t help you. The rifle shot groups ranged from 3/4 inch to 1 1/2 inches, depending on the load and bullet.

When you are planning a hunt, it is important to practice and see which ammo your rifle likes the best. Of course the bullet has to match the game also. Handloading is a great way to cut down the cost of ammo, which will allow you to get in more practice.  If you obtain three shot groups of an inch with a $300 rifle then you should be happy. A well-known truth is that most guns can outshoot their owners, especially from a hunting position.

Bob highly recommends the Marlin for someone on a budget. It proved to be accurate and reliable with no malfunctions of any kind. In spite of its relatively light weight recoil, it wasn’t bad because of the pad it wears. Bob can see using this gun on various hunting trips from deer to wild boar.