Marlin XL7 .270

[Copper25]

My 10 yr old son is starting to enjoy the idea of going deer hunting with dad. In fact, the kid is quite the shot. First time shooting trap he shot 16-25. Anyway, I'm looking to buy him a rifle for Christmas this year and was leaning towards the Marlin XL7. It seems to fit him well and the price (under $300) seems like a pretty good deal.

Anyone have any experience with this gun? Any other suggestions?

THanks,

Jason

[picksbigwagon]

I have a plane jane Savage with the accutriger and ugly scope that shoots extremely well and costs under 400.....Has he shot a 270? you might want to consider a 243 or a 7mm-08. I have shot a 270 before and it doesn't kick like my slug gun but it does dole out a good thump compared to the 243....

Welcome to Fishing Minnesota by the way.....

[Copper25]

Thanks for the quick reply and the welcome.

He shot a 20 gauge this weekend and loved it. Supposedly this .270 has a nice butt pad and doesn't kick that bad.

Father-in-law has 7mm-08 that I hope he tries this fall.

I'm just excited that he wants to go.

Still looking for feedback on gun. Anyone shoot one? Own one? I've read many reviews and they are all positive. I just don't know which ones to trust. The people on here usually give honest feedback.

Jason

[picksbigwagon]

The X7 has the double trigger right? Like the savage accutriger? Not sure how the barrels on the marlins but I would be leary to adjust the trigger really light for a youngin. If he shoots the 7mm-08 with getting major flinches, go with that. It will last him for many years. Does the Marlin come with a detachable magazine. Good friend of mine made sure his son's first rifle (11 years old now) had a detachable magazine, making unloading the gun a little easier than shucking out 5 rounds

[Copper25]

No detachable mag. You have to eject. He has been brainwashed about safety. He gets mad when I forget to put safe on his BB gun.

I have time. Just looking for tips on good models for him that he can use for years. This gun was suggested by a MN Gun Safety Instructor / Cabellas employee. He said the price point on this gun, the low recoil, the fit, and the ease of taking care of it were some of the reasons why he suggested it.

Of course the kid liked the camo stock over the black. Hey, anything to keep our youth involved.

Jason

[picksbigwagon]

I haven't heard or read a bad thing about the the Marlin X7's...good luck

[Meat-Run]

I am not familiar with that particular gun but I can tell you that my .270 doesn't hit to hard when you have your hunting clothes on and at the heat of the moement I have never felt the shot because the adrenaline is pumping so hard I've never been afraid to shoot up to a 7mm or 30-06 for that matter. Get the gun that fits him with a stuffy jacket like what he would be using during the season and run with it. The .270 will always be a great all around caliber. (sorry doesn't really answer your question)

my .02

mr

[azsearch]

I have this gun in the .270 and its dead on accurate and only cost $290. After the first time shooting it I did have a sore shoulder? They also just came out with the XS7 (.243 and 2 others i cant remember)

But for the price it can't be beat and I have yet to read a bad thing about it.