Just got back from the range, shooting the Marlin 17V alongside my 25MN. Sighted in the Bushnell 4-12X40AO scopes at 50 yards, getting the expected half-inch groups.
I shot 20 rounds of Hornady .17HMR in five-shot groups.
Bumped it out to 100 yards, with the 25MN doing it's expected .75" average groups. It has done better when the Shooting Gods smile, but not today.
Fired 20 rounds of the .17HMR again, beginning with a .75" group, and finally finishing with a .25" ragged hole with five rounds. I'm in love with the lil fella! I don't expect to do that regularly, but it proves the gun/scope/ammo combination works, if I do my part.
It needs a good cleaning - I didn't remove the Marlin preservative syrup, just shot her off the rack, so to speak. The action is stiff, and the Litigator-designed trigger definitely needs some work, but the 17V shows mucho promise.
I'm also eyeing the old Fajen benchrest stock I've been saving for the right rifle. The Marlin trigger-guard fits it. I think this is the rifle for it.