Marlin X7VH - anyone owned one?

[Treebeard1]

So I really enjoy taking my bolt gun (308) to the range, but don't enjoy the cost of. Range day because I usually go through 40-60 rounds. I thought a 223 bolt my do the trick allowing me to work on my bolt skills without having to start home loading. Thing is in Western Oregon 223 bolt guns are pretty scarce and mostly of the newer Mossberg MVP Variety. I really liked the CZ American but they are $1000 at my local store and I just don't have that.

Well one day I went on Cabelas for something else and checked out their used guns. Turns out the type of gun I want is very common in the upper west as there were a number or bolt 223 for same in the plains. And they will ship it my local bass pro shop for free and no transfer fees (typically $50 around here).

After some looking I bought a marlin X7VH with a 26" bull barrel. Thing is I have never even heard of this gun- are they any good? I know marlins run hot and cold depending on the year but my first gun was a Marlin and my favorite is also (my 30/30) so I decided to take a bet.

Now I have to wait until it arrives, and I get a scope on it. Anyone have experience with these guns?

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[Bobbygun]

I have no experience with the X7VH. But when my son got his hunter's safety card and wanted to hunt elk and deer, I ordered him an XL7 in .25-06 at Bi-Mart. When it arrived, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality, especially for the price. It shot almost as well as my Remington 700 Classic in the same caliber. At the ripe old age of 12, he killed a 5-point Roosevelt bull elk with it. He's 27 now and still has the rifle. He doesn't use it much these days since we spend most of our time bowhunting. The Marlin still looks next to new.

 

[2ndtimer]

I have a Marlin XL-7 in .270 Win. It is my primary deer rifle and has produced better accuracy than my Winchester Ultimate Shadow in .270WSM (despite it costing 1/3 the price ). I do hand load for both, but even with factory ammo, the Marlin has proven excellent. My only concern with the model you are getting is the barrel twist rate. I did some quick research, and it appears they have a 1 in 9" twist rate which, combined with the 26" barrel should adequately stabilize bullets up to 69 grains in weight. Not sure about the 75 and 77 grains though. Probably won't handle the extreme long range 80 and 90 grain projectiles.
Also, don't expect tack driving accuracy with the inexpensive .223/5.56 ammo. The quality of the bullet is a major factor, and good bullets with quality hand loads will get the best out it. And factory match quality .223 ammunition is not cheap.
Let us know how it shoots. I expect you will be pleased.

 

[Treebeard1]

Just came in yesterday. Put on a scope and a sling getting ready sir Sunday Range day!

 

[2ndtimer]

Just came in yesterday. Put on a scope and a sling getting ready sir Sunday Range day!
View attachment 2092416

Let us know how it shoots. FWIW, I have found that PMC Bronze 55 gr FMJ grouped the best of the bargain ammo in AR's and slow twist bolt guns. My favorite factory ammo was Fiocchi V-Max 40 and 50 gr loads. (I bought a bunch years ago on sale for $16 per box of 50!) Still have most of it, since all I shoot now are my handloads.

 

[Treebeard1]

Let us know how it shoots. FWIW, I have found that PMC Bronze 55 gr FMJ grouped the best of the bargain ammo in AR's and slow twist bolt guns. My favorite factory ammo was Fiocchi V-Max 40 and 50 gr loads. (I bought a bunch years ago on sale for $16 per box of 50!) Still have most of it, since all I shoot now are my handloads.

I have a variety of rounds to try, including some fancy "varmit" rounds that came in a mixed lot of .233 and 5.56 I bought locally. First I have to site it in as the optic was just slapped on by me last night. Who knows where it is now?

I totally lucked out on my last optic install and it was 2-3 clicks off center so this one is probably going to be way off. I can't believe you get that lucky twice.

 

[Treebeard1]

So Range day report.

Well after nearly sighting it in one screw that had been tightened decided it needed more attention. So it was 6" off, then 2" off then nearly a foot off. Busted out the tools and got it dialed in.

With 55gr varmit rounds it was 2" spread at 200 yards. Mostly due to my lack of skill. That's the farthest paper I can hang at the range but they have a 275 yard 12" steel and it could hit that every time even with my aging eyes and poor breath control.

One thing though it's a fussy loader. You have to put the rounds in bubblegum first but if it's to far back it hangs up on the back of the magazine. Seemed to prefer 3 rounds over 4 too. Reading online there is apparently a way to deal with the hang up issue at least.

It's also barrel heavy. Definitely think a wood stock would help with this.

Best part was spending $40 at the range for 2 hours of shooting!