The 25 is an outstanding value, (especially the deal you got). I've hunted with Marlins in that configuration, ie, rimfire, bolt, detachable magazine, for almost 20 years now, with zero problems to report.

My older son has 5 years under his belt with his now too, same story.

Only thing I can think of that could be considered bad, is that in the .22 magnum version, it doesn't like any of these new lighter/faster/expanding bullet loadings. Accuracy suffers if I don't stick with the solid 40gr cheapies..... which were working just fine all along anyhow.

The Rifle Basix trigger is a nice upgrade. We've done it to all of ours.

www.riflebasix.com/

I think I've ordered mine from Brownells and MidwayUSA in the past.

The only other after-market item I've used on one of these before is a Richards MicroFit stock. I did a thumbhole stock from them for one of my 25 .22 magnums. Great stocks, at a great price..... though the hours that go in to a good oil finish may be a bit much. (I ended up not liking the thumbhole in the field, but it sure was pretty to look at)

rifle-stocks.com/

Quoted: last time i shot it i had failure to eject problems. the rounds were not even sticking to the bolt at all. i figured i could just tweek the extractor claw since it is just spring steel but thought i'd ask before breaking or weakening it.

I'll bet dollars to doughnuts that the chamber area of the bore needs a solid scrubbing.

You bet.

I'm a 10/22 fan too, and even own a couple that are shot frequently (very customized target types). But I'd never feel at any disadvantage with the Marlin you have. Excellent utility gun.

(just remembered, my son also competed in smallbore silhouette with his Marlin 25 last year, and he did very well with it)