Marlin or Savage??

[KenSel]

I'm in the market for a new 17 HMR but I'm torn between the Marlin and the Savage.  They both have models that I I really like and they're pretty close in price so I'm wondering which one is the best overall for accuracy, trigger pull, action smoothness, clip/magazine installation and removal.  I've handled a couple of both at the local Big 5 and one Savage had a poorly fitting magazine that kind of rattled around while the other was a perfect fit and easily slid in and out.  It was the same with the Marlins, one was a poor fit and the other was perfect.  The actions on both seemed smooth enough to me but I don't know if one is typically better than the other.  Here in Kalifornia they have to keep trigger locks on all the guns so I didn't get to test the triggers.  Is the accutrigger better than the T-900 trigger in the Marlin or vice/versa?   Is one typically more accurate than the other or are they about the same?  I appreciate any info.

thanks,
Ken

[mcwoodduck]

I own a Marlin. 917V  I purchased it for two reasons.  the first is I already had a Marlin 882 in 22 Mag and they share the same magazine.  the second reason is three of my friends also have Marlins and not only can I swap mags with my own rifle but I can also swap mags with them in the field when we are varmint hunting.
If you do not have any other reasons to get one over the other I would look at the different models that are available and get the one that pleases you.  If it's a choice of the two that big 5 carry then just flip a coin.  Either one will be accurate enough and the optics will cost the same for either rifle.  I mounted a Weaver 3-9X38 on mine and what a great scope.  Midsouth has great prices on them.  they are one of the sponsors of Greybeard.
Good luck.
Brian

[bscman]

I'd opt for the marlin, hands down...but I'm biased.
I own a few other marlin rimfires. As mentioned above, the 917v shares the same magazines as my older 25M.

Fit and Finish--I think the marlin is a little cleaner, less machining marks, etc. It's also a little smoother to operate, with less slop.

Trigger- The savages accutrigger has an advantage out of the box....it can go pretty light, and is quite safe.
The marlin will be fairly heavy--but with a spring swap and some light honing (or a replacement rifle-basix) you can easily get the trigger down to a crips 2.5lbs or less. I did a DIY job and have a safe 38oz. trigger on my 917v. I also like the wider trigger the Marlin has to offer.

Accuracy - About the same. People on RFC are always debating this, and a general consensus is the marlin has the edge. In reality, they're dead even! Either will shoot sub-moa on a good day. Pretty much any HMR is going to be a tack driver. The barrel for marlin or savage are great.

Customer Service - Both are good companies to deal with, but I think marlin is better. They are willing to go above and beyond to resolve ANY issue at all. They have been VERY good to me in the past.
They have offered FREE replacement parts to me on rifles I purchased used (some being nearly 20 years old). The one time I had an issue with the quality of a new product, they offered FREE replacement, including shipping, of the entire rifle. The problem was rather small, so I asked for just a replacement part. Instead, they upgraded and sent me extras! They also used rush delivery for quick shipping. A+ to them!

Ultimately...
Just go with the rifle you like the best, and that fits you well. You can't go wrong with either rifle. They are both a great "bang for the buck" that will amaze you with their accuracy. IF it's not a rifle you plan to lug around a lot, opt for the bull barrel.  I *REALLY* like the way my 917v (heavy barrel) balances.

[ice]

I own a Savage BVSS and a Marlin 917V.
Both are good shooters. Very accurate for modest priced rimfire rifles.
I like the BVSS best but, it is stainless, has a shorter barrel, and has the laminated stock. It cost about $100. more than the 917V.
The loose mag problem associated with the Marlins and Savages is an easy fix. Nothing to sweat.
To get the best from either, you will need to float the barrel and do a little trigger work.
I might mention that Savage having the new Accutrigger has made them rather popular recently, not taking anything away from Marlin as there are trigger fixes for them too.
My recommendation is to buy one with a wood stock and install a quality scope.
Choose the one YOU like best as both brands are good.
In the accuracy department, I think it is safe to expect 3/4" @ 100 yards average and it is not uncommon to have three or four out of five rounds touching or almost touching @ 100 yards on a GOOD day.
Good luck.

[ShottieMan]

Coan't go wrong with the advice already given!

[mcwoodduck]

Now that a company has aquired Remington, Marlin and H&R.  They have fired all of their Rep all over the country and are looking for sales people going direct.  I will be interesting to see if the lines overlap and what they will do with the Marlin Rimfires.  Will some of them get better wood and have the Remington Stamp?  Will H&R US made rifles be replaced with the Russian singles that Remington is importing?

[victorcharlie]

I have a Savage 93R17 BVSS and it's a fine rifle.

Mine is a pre-acra-trigger but the trigger was easy to work.

The acra-trigger would make the Savage my first choice.

[huntersmurf]

I made the same choice 2 years ago, I picked the Marlin. In the price range I was looking the Savage's only had plastic stocks, Marlin had wood. The fit and finish was better on the Marlin as well. That and I just don't care for the AccuTrigger, the way the blade fells on my finger is a turn off. So I bought a Marling 917V, heavy barrel blue with wood stock, put a Bushnell Banner scope on it 4x12-40. The scope was ok but after shooting diggers last weekend I found it not so clear, at least compaired to my Wind River binos. so I have a Mueler 4.5x14x40 on order for it. Accuracy is fantastic, 1/2" 5 shot groups from the bench at 50yds with 20 gr hollowpoints.

[ratgunner]

I looked long and hard at both Savage and Marlin and bought the Savage.Glad I did.

[whiskey101]

To me, the accutrigger is so much better than the Marlin trigger that there is no decision to be made. They are very similar guns except for the trigger and the Savage wins there.