The MR-7, a hybrid, was only in production a few years. As stated, they didn't sell too well and Marlin dropped them from the line-up. The MR-7 used a Remington Style Receiver, a Winchester style Bolt, Trigger and Safety, and a Browning style Magazine. The only part that was 'Marlin' was the Micro-Groove rifled Barrel, which in the end, was probably responsible for it's failure to sell. Some studies show that Micro-Groove rifling may only be effective for 500 to 600 rounds.
Alot of complaints were made for sloppy workmanship when it came to accuracy. Some rifles barely met industry standards for accuracy at the range. Most didn't shoot too well out of the box without substantial gunsmithing. When this was brought to Marlin's attention, they stopped production due to poor sales.
Of all the calibers Marlin made, the .25-06 seems to be the one of the ones that is hardest to find. I believe that alot of the MR-7's sit unused, no matter what caliber it is. It is speculative as to whether they will ever be worth anything more than the current prices, but any bolt action rifles Marlin ever made are carrying a premium right now, except the MR-7. History states that Marlin makes Bolt Action Rifles every 40 years or so, the last time was in the 50's and before that was in the 1910's.
If you need a .25-06 or any caliber for a collection, the MR-7 would be a good pick. But if you want something that won't possibly take alot of work to tighten up at the range, I would look for something else.
I buy rifles to use, not collect dust. So I don't have a real need for oddballs to take up space in my gun cabinet. My MR-7 now shoots pretty good and I wouldn't trade it for the world. But again, it took alot of work to get it this way.
