I know this has been on here for a few weeks but I just came across it. I've had one since I was about 15; I'm 51 now. I really like it. I like the side discharge of the Marlin as opposed to the top discharge of the Winchester as you could top mount a scope if you wanted, although the group bias seems to be against that. With that caliber it wouldn't be essential, but might make for more certain shotplacement. Anyway, for what it's worth. Duke