New Marlin XT-22R

[KSchlick]

Ok so I chumped out and went the cheap route instead of picking up the heavy barreled 10/22 or the CZ. I bought a Marlin XT-22R over the Savage Mark IIF because I like the slightly thicker barrel profile (at least it looks that way to me, I haven't mic'd them) and I kind of wanted to see if Marlin had a winner with this model.

I did a very very quick test of ammunition this morning, using the open sights at 25 yards. My eyesight is not what it used to be, and even at this short distance I only saw a fuzzy yellow blob for the target so I'm sure I introduced a lot of error into the aiming equation. I couldn't make out the center cirle in the bullseye, so I just tried to center up horizontally and vertically on the yellow blob. BUT even so, it was fairly obvious what ammo it liked and didn't like.

I shot Federal Bulk, CCI Mini Mags, Win Subsonic, Eley Target, and CCI subsonic. I followed the same procedure for each different ammunition: I ran a boresnake through the barrel twice, then shot six "fouling shots", followed by a 9 round group for "record" (so to speak).
The Fed Bulk and CCI Mini Mags were not very impressive, but the Eley Target grouped pretty tight, and the Win subsonic and CCI subsonic were slightly better.

I didn't get a chance to measure everything but I will try after this weekend's shifts. I will also post some pics when I can.

I can't wait to scope this little thing and try some more ammo testing. I can't decide if I should put my Nikon Prostaff 3-9X40 on it, or pick up one of those Centerpoint 4-16s...
I think I am going to stick with the "cheap target rifle" theme on this one, by necessity.

 

[longguntoter]

Re: New Marlin XT-22R

I have seen the new Marlin rifle, and I actually like what I see. I am eager to pick up one of these to go along with my Savages and others. I agree with you when you say that the barrels on these Marlins seem thicker than on others. Let us know how yours shoots as soon as you can get some "glass" mounted to it. Thanks.

 

[Genin]

Re: New Marlin XT-22R

congrats on the rifle. I also just got a Marlin xt-22yr. Mine is the youth model, single shot. Mine really likes the American Eagle 40grn High Velocity Ammo. A brick was only $19 at my LGS. I got .5" groups at 50yard and about 1.5" at 100yards. I was also able to make very consistent hits at a piece of steel at 200 yards once I found my hold over. I have a 4x scope on it currently. They are definitely fun little guns. I look forward to your pictures and range updates.

 

[vizsla3]

Re: New Marlin XT-22R

let us see some range pictures.

 

[KSchlick]

Re: New Marlin XT-22R

I can't get a photo to show up in my post. I tried following the directions in the FAQs but no joy...
I'm sure I screwed it up, because I wouldn't know a URL from a Yeti - but I inserted what the alleged link to my photo is between [image] and [image] and it just shows the text.

 

[KSchlick]

Re: New Marlin XT-22R

Ok let's see if this works...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/76731002@N07/7034503767/

This is probably the best grouping - shot with CCI subsonics (the two shots on the right side are from a different group)

I need to figure out how to embed a photo, I'm not doing this for every pic I want to post...

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: New Marlin XT-22R

PUTTING PICTURES ON A POST




for your flicker application, up to "share" in the drop down, click on "Grab the HTML/BBCode", click on BBCode, copy and paste the URL's that are bracketed by

you can leave out the bottom URL as that acts like a link and is redundant and gives you this:
CCI sub by Slick308, on Flickr

hope that helps you out, "me too caveman, not know magic box".....but after you do it once it gets easy.

 

[bobtodrick]

Re: New Marlin XT-22R

I purchased two XT-22's for my sons, 9 and 11 (the plain-jane wood stock version).
Gotta admit I'm pretty impressed. The two of them came in at a little less than my 93FSSV package. The fit an finish are pretty good, the actions are smooth and the wood, while not fancy is blemish free and nicely cut.
Admittedly we've only had them out once, with a couple of different kinds of ammo. But by the end of the morning my 11 year old was shooting 2.5" groups at 50 yards with the stock open sights.
My first impression is that Marlin is making a fine low end gun.
If all the aftermarket mods that are available for the Savage's start to show up this line is going to be very successful IMO.

 

[KSchlick]

Re: New Marlin XT-22R

Thanks TP - That should help.

I picked up a 4-16X Centerpoint and yesterday played around with it briefly after shooting my issued 308. The best group I shot with CCI Subsonics was 1 1/4" at 110 yds. This was prone w/ rear bag. My other two groups were in the 2"+ range. I found that as I shrank my aiming point, my groups shrank also (no surprise there, aim small miss small). The smallest group was shot while using the center (crossover point) on the number "8" on the scoring ring as an aiming point. This was much improved over aiming at a 3" orange dot.
I have not adjusted the trigger yet, so I hope that will help a little, although it's not horrible out of the box.

Another thing I noticed is that because the entire rifle is super light, it is much harder to get it to fully "settle" on target. My heavy barreled 308 sits nice and still, but I could see any movement on my part through the scope on this lightweight rifle. I think it needs some weight added in the stock maybe... but since it is a "trainer" I guess that's ok as it will also make me work harder on getting in a good solid position.

I found that I had 10" of drop shooting at 110 using my 50 yd zero (with the CCI subs). I also had a blast using the mil dots and holding over to shoot 2"X3" and 3"X4" steel plates as fast as I could work the bolt.

So, next it's trigger adjustment then more ammo testing - then I guess I better give the April rimfire competition a try just for fun. I suppose I also need to order a DIP base if I intend to stretch it out any further later on, and I think a Karsten or similar adjustable cheek piece will end up being a must.

 

[KSchlick]

Re: New Marlin XT-22R

5 shot group at 110 yds with CCI Subsonics:

Holy Crap... it worked ! Now to figure out how to make it bigger...