Howdy,

I'm considering whether or not to get the XLR vs. 336. Thoughts? Is it worth it? Less recoil than the normal 336 (may be a female operating it) in 30/30?

How accurate does the 444 or 450 hold out to 100 or 200 yards in MOA? Noticeable difference between the two?

Thanks much!

I can't speak for the 450, but serious shooters of the 444 routinely hold less than 1.5 inches at 100 yards. I shoot open sights on mine (Winchester 94 Timber Carbine) and get 1 1/2 inch groups with handloads at 50 yards. The Marlin XLR are quite popular for the extra barrel length, stainless steel, and the laminated stock. They don't appeal to some traditionalists who want all their firearms in blue steel and dark walnut. I'm saving my pennies for one of the 444s.

My take on this is to keep it simple especially if a member of the opposite gets into shooting. Few take to recoil or the report and it don't matter what or how it looks if it bothers them greatly.
Simple things for simple people. The 94 is what my wife likes and of course I went ahead and rechambered it to the AI version for a little more ooomph. I reload for her and by the way she has taken plenty of moose with various calibers an still favors the 94. .30-30
The .30-30 I think is fine in the standard 20"bbl. with the plain jane stock. I would definately mount a Williams rear peep, stronger in design and closer to the eye.
Let us now what you went and bought.

regards,
Tim

I have acquired the XLR in 30-30 , 45-70 and 444 . And have the 450 on the way. I've shot the 30-30 quite a bit and it doesn't recoil any more then any other 30-30's I own and based on the weight of the rifle it may be a bit less. As far as the recoil of the others goes I've not fired them yet . However I own other rifles in all of the other calibers and I do not find them objectionable . However a smaller framed shooter be it man , woman or child most likely would . I handload for all four cartridges , so if I were in your position I could do some to remedy the situation .
I have a Marlin 336Y I bought for a woman to shoot. She was a very small woman about 95 pounds . And that gun with factory 150 grain Silvertips was what I thought would be to much recoil for her . I loaded up some 150 grain cast bullet loads and it turned into a kitten . And the woman shot it well considering it was her first encounter with anything heavier then a 22.
Personally I've never thought of the 444 recoil wise as anything more then a 44 MAG +P . So if the woman is fairly comfortable with a little more recoil , that might not be a bad choice either.

I haver acquired the XLR in 30-30 , 45-70 and 444 . And have the 450 on the way.

You're my hero!

So I guess it is safe to assume that "6pt-sika" likes the XLR's.

There have been some pretty good write ups on the XLR with the Hornady Leverevolution ammo. I don't have an XLR but I can tell you with out a doubt that the Leverevolution ammo is the best factory ammo I have ever shot. I have shot several good groups with the 30-30 one group of 3 shots that can almost be covered with a dime at 100 yards using a 4x scope. This past deer season I shot a large doe at 200 yards with a straight on shot with the Leverevolution and folded it where it stood. I plan on using the 30-30 a lot more! I would like to get an XLR! Check out Hornady's web site.

http://www.hornady.com/

I bot a 45-70 XLR about 3 weeks ago. I like the idea of the laminated stock and I do like stainless.
With handloading and open sights, this gun will shoot 3" groups at 100 yards from a bench.

Very nice gun, very smooth action, very easy maintence, very happy customer.

Dave