Need advice asap!

Sawilson005 · February 13, 2020, 01:03 PM

Which is best? New Ruger American in 270 no scope for $299.99 +tax and background check or a used Marlin XL7 270 with Nikon prosatff scope and 100 rounds of ammo for $350 out the door? Any help is greatly appreciated.

TJB101 · February 13, 2020, 03:51 PM

That Marlin sounds sweet. What stock does it have on it? Any pics?

jmr40 · February 13, 2020, 04:17 PM

As a rule I like the Rugers a lot better. But I'm less impressed with the long action versions.

A lot depends on the scope. If it is a decent scope then money wise the Marlin is the winner. If it is a junk scope then maybe not.

kilotanker22 · February 13, 2020, 04:47 PM

That Marlin is a good deal, but I personally believe that the Ruger is a much better rifle.
The Nikon Prostaff scopes are decent for their price range. I would still buy the Ruger if it were me.

ligonierbill · February 13, 2020, 05:22 PM

Well, I don't have that Marlin model, but I do have a Remington 783 that is supposedly based on the XL7. (I'm sure that someone will correct me if I'm wrong.) And I have a Ruger American. And I have a Nikon ProStaff somewhere in the safe.

Regards the Nikon, I never had a problem with it. It started on an AR and now resides on a rebarreled Mauser. I like it, but be aware that Nikon is going out of the riflescope business and is apparently not too shiny on their warranty support.

The Remington is a .223, fairly new, and shoots sub-MOA with the right load. It's a little heavy, but seems well put together.

The Ruger American is a .243, had it for a few years, and it shoots just as well. A little handier to carry in the field.

Neither rifle will win a beauty contest. Unless you just feel better about one or the other, go with the Marlin on price. With these rifles, you're buying a tool.

Sawilson005 · February 13, 2020, 05:26 PM

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Sawilson005 · February 13, 2020, 05:28 PM

That's the Marlin XL7. I have no experience with either tifle, be it the marlin or the Ruger American. Just trying to find out which is the better rifle/deal. Thanks all for any help you can give.

Sawilson005 · February 13, 2020, 05:35 PM

I'm not really worried about winning a beauty contest, just something that'll get the job done when needed. I have an ar, a Marlin 336w in 30-30 and a Savage Trophy Hunter xp in 308. Just wanted to get a good shooting 270 to add to the group.

LeverGunFan · February 13, 2020, 05:43 PM

Are the 100 rounds factory or reloads? I would be suspicious of any reloads without knowing exactly what they contain. The Nikon scope wouldn't be my first choice, but you could always sell it if you wanted something else.

Sawilson005 · February 13, 2020, 05:48 PM

The guy that's got it listed says he got it used on trade and not sure of how many rounds through it but looks to be in excellent condition. All it says is 120 rounds of various ammo. I'm not in a big hurry, the Ruger American is on sale here for $299 and I can pick up a scope any time. Just wondering which was the better rifle?

Sawilson005 · February 13, 2020, 06:06 PM

Just out of curiosity, is the Savage Axis II 270 a decent rifle? Got a buddy that has one with a wood stock that his dad gave him that's trying to sell it. It's got a weaver 3x9x40 scope on it. He's wanting $360 for it. Didnt know how it stacked up against the other 2.

kilotanker22 · February 13, 2020, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sawilson005

Just out of curiosity, is the Savage Axis II 270 a decent rifle? Got a buddy that has one with a wood stock that his dad gave him that's trying to sell it. It's got a weaver 3x9x40 scope on it. He's wanting $360 for it. Didnt know how it stacked up against the other 2.

Just as good as the Ruger, probably better than the Marlin.

The Savage will have the best trigger out of the bunch. The Ruger will have the nicest action.

Also I would not accept unknown ammunition from someone who got it second hand. Hard telling where it has been or what it really even is

Wyosmith · February 13, 2020, 07:52 PM

Well if you can buy both, shoot both and see which one you like best. Then sell the other. At those prices you are very likely to get your money back on the one you sell without much problem.

jmhyer · February 13, 2020, 08:22 PM

Marlin for me. But I have an American and really like it.

Don Fischer · February 13, 2020, 09:24 PM

Your only talking about $50! Go look at them and choose one!

Sure Shot Mc Gee · February 14, 2020, 12:26 AM

Shot a Marlin XL 7 270 quite some time ago. I thought the rifle was pretty good in the accuracy dept although something about its stock bothered me. Just what? I don't recall. As far as which rifle should you sling-up and take home? I think the Ruger would be more appropriate. To be honest. If I were in you're shoes I rather buy a scope that appeals to me than chance some other fellows choice.

T. O'Heir · February 14, 2020, 01:50 PM

MSRP on the Ruger American is $489.00.
The Marlin was discontinued but a scoped one runs about $300 on Gunbroker. If the 100 rounds of ammo is factory, that'd matter.
A Savage Axis is an entry level hunting rifle. A BNIB one with a scope(called an XP) has an MSRP of $415.00. Used they run about $250ish with a scope on Gunbroker.

AgedWarrior · February 14, 2020, 03:42 PM

:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sawilson005

Just out of curiosity, is the Savage Axis II 270 a decent rifle? Got a buddy that has one with a wood stock that his dad gave him that's trying to sell it. It's got a weaver 3x9x40 scope on it. He's wanting $360 for it. Didnt know how it stacked up against the other 2.

Personally I would go for the Axis II with wood furniture. The Ruger is a good rifle hiding in a poor stock (so is the Axis II in the Tupperware stocks), but the Axis II is a better trigger, and Savage makes a pretty fair rifle all in all. The Marlin is okay, but I would go for the Savage and upgrade the scope later. Just my opinion, of course.

thegatman · February 14, 2020, 03:50 PM

Take the Ruger American. I redid the stock by putting Bondo in it. You Tube vid shows how. Makes it flex less. Leupold scope and bingo nice deer.

Pathfinder45 · February 14, 2020, 05:46 PM

Do you actually need either one of them? Do you already have a bolt-action rifle in the 270/30-'06 class? The only reason I can see to get either one is if you actually need such a rifle ASAP and your budget will simply not allow a better/nicer one. I get that you want a 270; it's a great caliber. My advice would be to save up your sheckels until you can afford a Winchester model 70 with real Walnut for a stock. But there are a lot of other nicer rifles out there too. I personally have no qualms about a 2nd-hand rifle if it's good; in fact I prefer the bargain that a used rifle can be.

stagpanther · February 16, 2020, 12:48 AM

I'd jump on the axis II assuming it's in good shape and the choices you've listed. I have the ruger American in 270 and it's a very nice shooting rifle, but savages almost always shoot better in my experience in comparable priced budget rifles.

reynolds357 · February 16, 2020, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pathfinder45

Do you actually need either one of them? Do you already have a bolt-action rifle in the 270/30-'06 class? The only reason I can see to get either one is if you actually need such a rifle ASAP and your budget will simply not allow a better/nicer one. I get that you want a 270; it's a great caliber. My advice would be to save up your sheckels until you can afford a Winchester model 70 with real Walnut for a stock. But there are a lot of other nicer rifles out there too. I personally have no qualms about a 2nd-hand rifle if it's good; in fact I prefer the bargain that a used rifle can be.

I must admit that right now, For hunting I like the economy rifles better than the high end ones.

BigBL87 · February 16, 2020, 11:05 AM

Between the 3, I'd favor the Axis but not for that price. I personally wouldn't pay that much for a used one even with a scope. If you could talk the price down a bit, maybe. I'm sure the wood stock increases the value so maybe it's not that bad. Looking around online, they're running $380ish brand new for the wood stock version w/scope, so I'd try to talk it down a little bit.

Between the other two, if you like that scope I'd go with the Marlin but if you are going to switch out the scope anyway I'd go with the American.

February 13, 2020, 01:03 PM	#1
Sawilson005 Junior Member Join Date: February 13, 2020 Posts: 6	Need advice asap! Which is best? New Ruger American in 270 no scope for $299.99 +tax and background check or a used Marlin XL7 270 with Nikon prosatff scope and 100 rounds of ammo for $350 out the door? Any help is greatly appreciated.

February 13, 2020, 04:17 PM	#3
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,809	As a rule I like the Rugers a lot better. But I'm less impressed with the long action versions. A lot depends on the scope. If it is a decent scope then money wise the Marlin is the winner. If it is a junk scope then maybe not. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

February 13, 2020, 04:47 PM	#4
kilotanker22 Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2012 Location: North Central, PA Posts: 2,117	That Marlin is a good deal, but I personally believe that the Ruger is a much better rifle. The Nikon Prostaff scopes are decent for their price range. I would still buy the Ruger if it were me. __________________ “We do not seek peace in order to be at war, but we go to war that we may have peace. Be peaceful, therefore, in warring, so that you may vanquish those whom you war against, and bring them to the prosperity of peace. – St. Augustine

February 13, 2020, 05:43 PM	#9
LeverGunFan Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 407	Are the 100 rounds factory or reloads? I would be suspicious of any reloads without knowing exactly what they contain. The Nikon scope wouldn't be my first choice, but you could always sell it if you wanted something else. __________________ *Support the Second Amendment Foundation and the Firearms Policy Coalition*

February 14, 2020, 01:50 PM	#17
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	MSRP on the Ruger American is $489.00. The Marlin was discontinued but a scoped one runs about $300 on Gunbroker. If the 100 rounds of ammo is factory, that'd matter. A Savage Axis is an entry level hunting rifle. A BNIB one with a scope(called an XP) has an MSRP of $415.00. Used they run about $250ish with a scope on Gunbroker. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

February 13, 2020, 03:51 PM	#2
TJB101 Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2017 Posts: 498	That Marlin sounds sweet. What stock does it have on it? Any pics?

February 13, 2020, 05:22 PM	#5
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,456	Well, I don't have that Marlin model, but I do have a Remington 783 that is supposedly based on the XL7. (I'm sure that someone will correct me if I'm wrong.) And I have a Ruger American. And I have a Nikon ProStaff somewhere in the safe. Regards the Nikon, I never had a problem with it. It started on an AR and now resides on a rebarreled Mauser. I like it, but be aware that Nikon is going out of the riflescope business and is apparently not too shiny on their warranty support. The Remington is a .223, fairly new, and shoots sub-MOA with the right load. It's a little heavy, but seems well put together. The Ruger American is a .243, had it for a few years, and it shoots just as well. A little handier to carry in the field. Neither rifle will win a beauty contest. Unless you just feel better about one or the other, go with the Marlin on price. With these rifles, you're buying a tool.

February 13, 2020, 05:26 PM	#6
Sawilson005 Junior Member Join Date: February 13, 2020 Posts: 6	http://

February 13, 2020, 05:28 PM	#7
Sawilson005 Junior Member Join Date: February 13, 2020 Posts: 6	That's the Marlin XL7. I have no experience with either tifle, be it the marlin or the Ruger American. Just trying to find out which is the better rifle/deal. Thanks all for any help you can give.

February 13, 2020, 05:35 PM	#8
Sawilson005 Junior Member Join Date: February 13, 2020 Posts: 6	I'm not really worried about winning a beauty contest, just something that'll get the job done when needed. I have an ar, a Marlin 336w in 30-30 and a Savage Trophy Hunter xp in 308. Just wanted to get a good shooting 270 to add to the group.

February 13, 2020, 05:48 PM	#10
Sawilson005 Junior Member Join Date: February 13, 2020 Posts: 6	The guy that's got it listed says he got it used on trade and not sure of how many rounds through it but looks to be in excellent condition. All it says is 120 rounds of various ammo. I'm not in a big hurry, the Ruger American is on sale here for $299 and I can pick up a scope any time. Just wondering which was the better rifle?

February 13, 2020, 06:06 PM	#11
Sawilson005 Junior Member Join Date: February 13, 2020 Posts: 6	Just out of curiosity, is the Savage Axis II 270 a decent rifle? Got a buddy that has one with a wood stock that his dad gave him that's trying to sell it. It's got a weaver 3x9x40 scope on it. He's wanting $360 for it. Didnt know how it stacked up against the other 2.

February 13, 2020, 07:52 PM	#13
Wyosmith Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2010 Location: Shoshoni Wyoming Posts: 2,713	Well if you can buy both, shoot both and see which one you like best. Then sell the other. At those prices you are very likely to get your money back on the one you sell without much problem.

February 13, 2020, 08:22 PM	#14
jmhyer Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2012 Location: MS - USA Posts: 899	Marlin for me. But I have an American and really like it.

February 13, 2020, 09:24 PM	#15
Don Fischer Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2017 Posts: 1,868	Your only talking about $50! Go look at them and choose one!

February 14, 2020, 12:26 AM	#16
Sure Shot Mc Gee Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,876	Shot a Marlin XL 7 270 quite some time ago. I thought the rifle was pretty good in the accuracy dept although something about its stock bothered me. Just what? I don't recall. As far as which rifle should you sling-up and take home? I think the Ruger would be more appropriate. To be honest. If I were in you're shoes I rather buy a scope that appeals to me than chance some other fellows choice.

February 14, 2020, 03:50 PM	#19
thegatman Member Join Date: January 25, 2015 Posts: 61	Take the Ruger American. I redid the stock by putting Bondo in it. You Tube vid shows how. Makes it flex less. Leupold scope and bingo nice deer.

February 14, 2020, 05:46 PM	#20
Pathfinder45 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2008 Posts: 3,224	Do you actually need either one of them? Do you already have a bolt-action rifle in the 270/30-'06 class? The only reason I can see to get either one is if you actually need such a rifle ASAP and your budget will simply not allow a better/nicer one. I get that you want a 270; it's a great caliber. My advice would be to save up your sheckels until you can afford a Winchester model 70 with real Walnut for a stock. But there are a lot of other nicer rifles out there too. I personally have no qualms about a 2nd-hand rifle if it's good; in fact I prefer the bargain that a used rifle can be.

February 16, 2020, 12:48 AM	#21
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,789	I'd jump on the axis II assuming it's in good shape and the choices you've listed. I have the ruger American in 270 and it's a very nice shooting rifle, but savages almost always shoot better in my experience in comparable priced budget rifles. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

February 16, 2020, 11:05 AM	#23
BigBL87 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2014 Location: Tonica, IL Posts: 473	Between the 3, I'd favor the Axis but not for that price. I personally wouldn't pay that much for a used one even with a scope. If you could talk the price down a bit, maybe. I'm sure the wood stock increases the value so maybe it's not that bad. Looking around online, they're running $380ish brand new for the wood stock version w/scope, so I'd try to talk it down a little bit. Between the other two, if you like that scope I'd go with the Marlin but if you are going to switch out the scope anyway I'd go with the American.