Anyone know the story on the current owners of Remington?
How's their quality, I know the new Marlins quality has sure gone down since remington bought them out. That's my opinion at least.
It seems like all the oldtime American gun makers are in trouble in one way or another. Sure hope they can survive.
Whats your take on all this, Do you think the american made firearms industry is doomed?
Regards,
Both the Remington and Marlin brands are part of the Freedom Group of Cerebus. Here in the virtual reality of the "Intermess," Freedom Group is often loathed for letting "corporate greed" and "profit" stand in the way of delivering a quality product. Personally, I don't buy in to blaming Freedom Group / Cerebus for the issues that Remington and Marlin have. I think both companies were on a downhill slide before they became a part of Freedom Group.
Last week, while at a big gun store in Tulsa to pick up reloading supplies, a Marlin XT-22 caught my eye. On examining the rifle in the shop, I was very impressed with the high level of fit and finish it exhibited. The thing is simply perfect in build. Wood to metal fits are precise. The polish and blue job done is "old school Remington" all the way (so it is more than acceptably nice). I am not one to impulse buy, but at $135.80, NOT buying the rifle wasn't an option. I took it to the the range the next day and I still cannot believe how darn good this rifle is -how smooth and precise the action feels, how crisp and creep-free the trigger is, and how accurate the rifle is. I have had a 541-T, an A-Bolt .22, and a CZ 452-2E, and in terms of accuracy, this new XT-22 beats them all, hands down. To be frank, it is unbelievable accurate.
If everything Remington made was like this "Marlin" XT-22 made in Remington's Mayfield, KY plant, I'd be a bigger "Big Green" fanatic than Mr. Swampman is. It's just that darn good. It has been a long, long time since I have been this satisfied with a new gun purchase.
So maybe Remington and Marlin have had their problems. But if they can turn out something as good as my XT-22, the can turn out thousands more that are just as nice. This gives me cause to hope that Freedom Group might be able to restore these brands back to their former respected positions in the marketplace. While the Marlin lever actions that I've seen that have come out of Illion haven't impressed me (depressed is a better word), the most recent 700 CDLs, 750's and 1100 Sportings that I've seen have appeared flawless.
It might be a while before I throw down on a new Marlin lever action. But if I had more money burning a hole in my pocket, there were some very nice CDL's at the store where I bought my XT-22 that I would very much like to take home, as well as a stunning and perfect in every way 1100 Sporting 28 gauge that is calling my name.
I have been pretty critical of Remington and Marlin products, but those brands haven't lost me as a potential future customer yet. Based on the experience I've had with the XT-22 and the perfection of the CDLs I've seen lately, they are very likely to get more of my business in the near future.
JP
