Marlin XT-22 as a cheap 22 trainer?

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nuclear_shooter

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Jun 28, 2013
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#1
I'm looking for a cheap (but not totally shit) 22 LR trainer. I was looking at the XT-22, specifically this model: Marlin XT22TSR 22 BA TUBE 17 SYN $251.00 SHIPS FREE (I like the SS barrel in case I ever want to hunt with it as well). Put this on it Diversified Innovative Products - Product Detail - Rimfire Bolt Action Scope Mount - $37.97 and call it good. Has anybody ever had experience with these rifles? I know Remington bought Marlin recently and some of the quality in their lever action guns has suffered, but this gun seems to get pretty good write ups on the internet (selection bias? :p). What do you guys think?
 
#2
I have two young sons and they both have these guns...so two samples in total.
Build quality in my mind is pretty good...not CZ good...but hey, a CZ isn't $200.
There was some internet chatter a year or so ago (when we bought ours) about some QC issues, primarily iron sights that were not lined up properly.
I've got a good relationship with my dealer so he let me look at all eight he had in stock and let me pick the two I liked. In truth I could find nothing wrong with any of them and I've chalked up the problems reported to internet hypochondria...one person reports a problem and all the people who can't shoot worth crap are reporting their guns are also faulty ;-)
Anyhoo...each gun has a Caldwell bipod and a Leapers scope Leapers, Inc. - Hunting/Shooting, Sporting Goods and Security Gear It's inexpensive...but hey, the boys are 9 & 12...their allowances don't afford Nightforce! ;-)
We spent the day at the range yesterday...remember they're 9 & 12. At 100m (110yds) with RWS Target, which the rifles seem to like both boys did a couple of 1.25" groups. Their largest groups were in the neighborhood of 2.25".
And each rifle comes in at less than $500 complete.
 
#3
I have a Marlin XT-22 and it is ok. But ther is a reason that I spent a little more and bought a CZ. CZs are much more accurate and feel more like a "big boy rifle". If I was going to spend less and wanted the best bang for my buck I think I would go with the Savage rimfire line. Sadly IMHO the Savage feels even more like a toy than even the Marlin, but they are really accurate out of the box.

But if you can swing it the CZ is the way to go!

Ben
 
#4
Good gun

nuclear_shooter said:
I'm looking for a cheap (but not totally shit) 22 LR trainer. I was looking at the XT-22, specifically this model: Marlin XT22TSR 22 BA TUBE 17 SYN $251.00 SHIPS FREE (I like the SS barrel in case I ever want to hunt with it as well). Put this on it Diversified Innovative Products - Product Detail - Rimfire Bolt Action Scope Mount - $37.97 and call it good. Has anybody ever had experience with these rifles? I know Remington bought Marlin recently and some of the quality in their lever action guns has suffered, but this gun seems to get pretty good write ups on the internet (selection bias? :p). What do you guys think?
Click to expand...

I have a Marlin xt22 and I love it. Great shooter, 1 " groups when I do my part. It also shoots Win Bulk ammo beautifully! Great gun but put good glass on it!
 
#5
BenY 2013 said:
I have a Marlin XT-22 and it is ok. But ther is a reason that I spent a little more and bought a CZ. CZs are much more accurate and feel more like a "big boy rifle". If I was going to spend less and wanted the best bang for my buck I think I would go with the Savage rimfire line. Sadly IMHO the Savage feels even more like a toy than even the Marlin, but they are really accurate out of the box.

But if you can swing it the CZ is the way to go!

Ben
Click to expand...

I mean I really want dirt cheap. I'm on a real tight budget (I'm a graduate student) and I'm trying to save for a large frame AR. Might have to give that Savage another look. I hear it has a nice trigger, but I sort of like the tube mag on the Marlin...
 
#7
I'll differ here.
I've a Savage 93FVSS and as I mentioned we have two XT-22's in the family.
The fit and finish on the Marlin's are the equal of the Savage.
I can't make a direct comparison between them as the Savage is a WMR...but again, if a 9 year old can regularly pull if 1.25" groups at 100m (which my son does with his Marlin) the accuracy is nothing to sneeze at.
There are reams of tests out there that say that the Savage, CZ and Marlin are accuracy equals out of the box.
The CZ is nicer...but expensive.
At the moment the CZ and the Savage have more aftermarket goodies, but that is improving with the Marlin because it has been selling so well.
Really...between the Savage and the Marlin I'd say go for whatever feels good in your hands...they'll all test your shooting skills.
 
#9
We have the Caldwell mounted on ours, no problem Caldwell XLA 9" to 13" Pivot Model Bipod
I can't be completely sure, but I think they mount the same as a Harris.
Have had them on the guns since the day we got them about one year ago. They see nearly weekly use and the bipods are still nice and solid.
BTW, both guns have about 6000 rounds through them. After a good break in cleaning they get a cleaned about every 5 or 6 sessions (I'm one of those who don't believe a rimfire needs to be cleaned everytime you shoot).
 
#15
I was going to suggest looking for an older Marlin bolt action tube feeder, like an 81. (because you mentioned budget and grad student). I have an 80 (mag fed), looked sad when I got it for $25, but shoots fantastic and has a vintage 4x store branded Weaver scope. Cleaned her up and refinished the stock, I have only that $25 in it.
 
#16
nuclear_shooter said:
So far I'm really happy with it, its a real shooter. On my third day out I was shooting 0.4-0.5" groups at 50 yards (and I'm not even that good of a shot). Liked it so much my girlfriend got one too!
Click to expand...

I had no doubts you would like that rifle once you said you got it. Savage makes some of the most accurate rifles in my humble opinion. Enjoy the fun!
 
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