Carried one for a couple of seasons. Mine was one of the last of the pre Remington rifles but I don't think that matters much. Here's my take.
Although it's not particularly light it's an absolute pleasure to carry. The balance and ergos are superb.
Out of the box accuracy in my rifle was better than I expected. I've got some pretty good bolt rifles that struggle to stay with it. This is, I think, the first 100 yd. group out of the rifle:
Although I reload for almost everything I have not felt the need to shoot anything but factory loads in this rifle. I just don't see me improving on it significantly. I'm going to try the 140 gr. monos when I get a chance. Looks to me like a ballistic twin for the 7mm/08.
Although some lever gun purists dislike the crossbolt safety I'm okay with it. There are ways around it and even ways to get rid of it altogether but I don't get too confused with it and so it stays. This rifle will be passed down to one of my grandsons and I like the fact that loading and unloading can be done with the safety on.
That's about it. Had Marlin introduced the .338MX first I probably would have bought that but I'm not feeling any burning desire to change at this point. I don't have any firsthand information on the performance on animals as I've always managed to put myself where they aren't lately. No fault of the rifle.
Ammunition is only moderately expensive, nothing like feeding a .338 Win. Mag. for instance.
I'd recommend it without hesitation.
DJR
