I have had a Marlin XS-7 .308 for about 2 1/2 years now. I bought it in Jan. 2010, and then deployed before being able to use it. Right before I deployed I bought a Burris FFII on clearance with binos, and sold the binos for $65. I have under $450 in the gun, scope, rings and mounts, and sling. 2011 was the first time I was able to hunt with it, but it took 2 bucks. I shot a small 6 point opening morning, as my son refused to shoot it. The Friday after Thanksgiving, my son finally got his first buck, which was another 6 point whitetail. We have since PCS'd to AK, so I don't know how much use it will get, but my son has claimed it has his hunting rifle. He is determined to get a moose and caribou with it over the next 4 years.