[image title=”Marlin XT-22 bolt action 22 rilfe” align=”right” lightbox=”true” size=”small” autoHeight=”true” icon=”zoom”]http://monderno.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/XT-22Full.jpg[/image]Santa was good to me this year. One of my unexpected gifts was the Marlin XT-22 bolt action rifle. One of Marlin’s new XT-22 line of 22 caliber rimfire rifles. While unwrapping my new gun, I felt a little like the character Ralphy from the 1983 movie The Christmas Story, when he gets his new Red Rider BB gun. You see, bolt action 22 rilfes and I go way back.
Growing up in the rural Midwest, I was rarely without my grandfather’s Remington Model 33 bolt action 22. It was the first real gun that I was allowed to shoot. Once my dad taught me how to handle the gun safely, I filled my afternoons shooting anything my mom would let me (cans, old plates, jars, bottles, and the occasional rabbit). What other gun can you shoot all afternoon for less than $5?
I guess it it nostalgia, but I have been wanting to add a new bolt action 22 to my collection. The XT-22 fits nicely.
Specifications
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| Caliber | .22 LR |
| Capacity | 7+1 |
| Barrel | 22″ |
| Overall Length | 41″ |
| Weight | 6 lbs |
| Barrel Finish | Blued |
| Stock Finish | Monte Carlo Walnut |
| Magazine | 1 – 7 round |
| Safety | Manual Thumb |
| MSRP | $230 |
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Shooting Impressions
[image title=”Marling XT-22 trigger, clip and bolt” align=”right” lightbox=”true” size=”small” autoHeight=”true” icon=”zoom”]http://monderno.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/XT-22Trigger.jpg[/image]
The trigger is a exactly what I would expect in a 22: smooth, crisp, and light. Marlin calls it the XT Pro-Fire® trigger system, but I call it excellent. In the short time I had to shoot my XT-22, I found it to be very accurate and fun to shoot. I was able to shoot tight groups from about 20 yards on a windy day while standing unsupported. If I were to get a chance to seriously bench-rest it, I could drive nails!
As an added bonus, I was even able to get my wife excited about this gun! Since there is no recoil and it is so quiet, she was able to enjoy shooting it.
Wrapping Up
There isn’t much I would change about the XT-22. It is begging for a nice scope, a comfortable sling and a couple of spare mags, but other than that it’s ready to go. I’m looking forward to my next free afternoon.
The .22 is the most useful weapon you can own. While I would prefer an autoloader like a 10/22, this is a sweet rifle.
10/22 could not come close to this rifle on paper … 10/22 is a great plinker but on paper it is not worth the money ..10/22 has a history of first shot fly …
ive owned many 22s but as for a gun straight out of the box and price its hard to beat a marlin…..