New Marlin.

Chowder · November 23, 2012, 11:40 PM

Just got back from my favorite local gun shop with a new addition to my marlin family. It's a XT-22 tube magazine with the Accutrigger. I topped it off with a Leupold VX-1 2-7x33 with Burris rings. I got this to be a more modern brother to my model 81DL that I could practice longer range shooting with optics. I adjusted the trigger down to just under 3 pounds which is about the same as my model 1894.

Here is the Marlin family: 1894 .44 mag w/ Leupold VX-2 2-7x33 on top, Model 81DL with factory peep sights in the middle, and my new XT-22 w/Leupold VX-1 2-7x33 on the bottom.

One question I have for other with this rifle is, what kind of groups are you getting? I know it's not a high end target rifle, but since I will be using this to practice with I would like to know what groups other more experienced shooters are getting so I know when I'm starting to shoot near the rifles ability. Thanks in advance for any info or advice.

alex0535 · November 24, 2012, 05:17 AM

You've got good glass on it, and its a .22, I would put a bipod on it and see what it can do. If you have access to a lead sled you can find out what it really does. An accurate rifle is only as accurate as the shooter behind it.

My Marlin 917v does this at 65 yards, shooting prone with a bipod. Its a marlin bolt action (without accu-trigger), bull barrel, clip fed, and 17hmr. It is so accurate that I only have myself to blame if I miss a target within 150 yards.

With practice you can probably empty the 17 .22LR rounds inside of 1 inch from 50-75 yards. Personally though I haven't ever shot a tube fed bolt action rifle. You will know when you realize the rifles potential, when every bullet is going where you want it to go.

Chowder · November 24, 2012, 12:08 PM

Very nice groups! I am hoping to get to the range today when the sun comes up, and hopefully the temp gets over 20 degrees.

Chowder · November 24, 2012, 05:48 PM

Just got back from the range! I am completely blown away by this sub 200 dollar rifle. With the rifle, scope, and rings total was about 400 and I still think this package was a value.

I wont show you the first target of me trying to get on paper but here is the first target I was actually able to sight in on at 25 yards. I was using federal champion bulk ammo.

This second pic is my second set of groups with CCI mini mags 40g solids, and a close up of my best 5 shot group of the day.

Next is a 50 yard target still using CCI mini mags and a close up of my best group.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

All of the 25 yard groups were 5 shot and the 50 yard groups were 3. I did shoot one set of 5 shot groups at 50 yards and they were about 3".

alex0535 · November 24, 2012, 06:38 PM

Thats some good shooting, especially with a new rifle in 20 degree weather.

In warmer weather, and after you find out what ammo your rifle likes to shoot, those groups will very likely get smaller.

Chowder · November 24, 2012, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Thats some good shooting, especially with a new rifle in 20 degree weather.

In warmer weather, and after you find out what ammo your rifle likes to shoot, those groups will very likely get smaller.

Thanks. I'm sure I will be able to keep a steady hand when its not so cold. I thought it was about 20 but turns out it was about 5 degrees but no wind. Only getting colder for the rest of the year but i hope to stretch it out to 100 yards eventually.

November 23, 2012, 11:40 PM	#1
Chowder Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2012 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 449	New Marlin. Just got back from my favorite local gun shop with a new addition to my marlin family. It's a XT-22 tube magazine with the Accutrigger. I topped it off with a Leupold VX-1 2-7x33 with Burris rings. I got this to be a more modern brother to my model 81DL that I could practice longer range shooting with optics. I adjusted the trigger down to just under 3 pounds which is about the same as my model 1894. Here is the Marlin family: 1894 .44 mag w/ Leupold VX-2 2-7x33 on top, Model 81DL with factory peep sights in the middle, and my new XT-22 w/Leupold VX-1 2-7x33 on the bottom. One question I have for other with this rifle is, what kind of groups are you getting? I know it's not a high end target rifle, but since I will be using this to practice with I would like to know what groups other more experienced shooters are getting so I know when I'm starting to shoot near the rifles ability. Thanks in advance for any info or advice.

November 24, 2012, 05:17 AM	#2
alex0535 Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2012 Location: Georgia Posts: 908	You've got good glass on it, and its a .22, I would put a bipod on it and see what it can do. If you have access to a lead sled you can find out what it really does. An accurate rifle is only as accurate as the shooter behind it. My Marlin 917v does this at 65 yards, shooting prone with a bipod. Its a marlin bolt action (without accu-trigger), bull barrel, clip fed, and 17hmr. It is so accurate that I only have myself to blame if I miss a target within 150 yards. With practice you can probably empty the 17 .22LR rounds inside of 1 inch from 50-75 yards. Personally though I haven't ever shot a tube fed bolt action rifle. You will know when you realize the rifles potential, when every bullet is going where you want it to go.

November 24, 2012, 12:08 PM	#3
Chowder Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2012 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 449	Very nice groups! I am hoping to get to the range today when the sun comes up, and hopefully the temp gets over 20 degrees.

November 24, 2012, 05:48 PM	#4
Chowder Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2012 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 449	Just got back from the range! I am completely blown away by this sub 200 dollar rifle. With the rifle, scope, and rings total was about 400 and I still think this package was a value. I wont show you the first target of me trying to get on paper but here is the first target I was actually able to sight in on at 25 yards. I was using federal champion bulk ammo. This second pic is my second set of groups with CCI mini mags 40g solids, and a close up of my best 5 shot group of the day. Next is a 50 yard target still using CCI mini mags and a close up of my best group. Uploaded with ImageShack.us All of the 25 yard groups were 5 shot and the 50 yard groups were 3. I did shoot one set of 5 shot groups at 50 yards and they were about 3".

November 24, 2012, 06:38 PM	#5
alex0535 Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2012 Location: Georgia Posts: 908	Thats some good shooting, especially with a new rifle in 20 degree weather. In warmer weather, and after you find out what ammo your rifle likes to shoot, those groups will very likely get smaller.