I have a new Marlin XS-7 in 308 in the local shop. I was thinking about cutting the barrel back to 18" to make a nice quick handling timber carbine that would also handle things out to 250 yds if needed. I love my model 7 in 260 with the 18.5" barrel, but Remington model 7 guns are crazy expensive. I thought using the Marlin would be a cheaper way to go.
As long as the barrel was properly done, and re-crowned...I don't see how it would be a bad thing. If that would make the gun better conform to what you need it for, then I'd say it would be a dandy idea.
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You most Love muzzel Blast LOL ! One thing is certain, you can do what ever you want to to your rifle.
I happen to like my short barrel .375 Big Bore Marlin levergun because of the reason you stated and it just handles so well.
I limit on how far I shoot deer though 100 to 150 yards yet I've only shot one Deer that may have been 100 yards away with the 24 or so I've killed with it within 80 yards.
I had my Savage 308 cut back to 16.5" recently. I really like it. Recoil and muzzle blast is not as bad as I expected. It didn't seem to affect the accuracy. I asked on some other forums (more dedicated to long range shooting). Most were in agreement that I should not notice much difference under 500 yards. Made a very handy rifle.
Hi dmsbandit,
make sure you check your state laws, 18" may be too short! At one time, it would have been against the law here in Oregon to have a barrel only 18" long.
James
I had my first Turkish mauser cut back to 17" and the bolt bent. Nothing handier than a short barreled carbine! If I had the cash I would have a Ruger Hawkeye Compact ordered by now!
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I had my first Turkish mauser cut back to 17" and the bolt bent. Nothing handier than a short barreled carbine! If I had the cash I would have a Ruger Hawkeye Compact ordered by now!
Well maybe you should get a Marlin like me and chop 4" off the barrel. That way you would also have a cheap [under $400] carbine to roam the woods with too.
Depending on twist rate, an 18" bbl is all you need in 308.
I believe the Marlins are 1-10" in 30 caliber, so I see no issues with accuracy.
I talked to the gunsmith tonight, and he said it would cost my $65 to cut the barrel to 18.25" and recrown it. He cuts them to 18.25" to give a little room for legal measurement of the barrel. So, for a grand total of $386 I will have a XS-7 Carbine in 308. Not a bad deal at all.
I believe the Marlins are 1-10" in 30 caliber, so I see no issues with accuracy.
I talked to the gunsmith tonight, and he said it would cost my $65 to cut the barrel to 18.25" and recrown it. He cuts them to 18.25" to give a little room for legal measurement of the barrel. So, for a grand total of $386 I will have a XS-7 Carbine in 308. Not a bad deal at all.
Don't forget to clean the bleep out of it when it gets back from the G/S
Ya never know where those metal shavings will end up...
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