I have a Marlin 1895 I bought new in 1978.
One thing to consider: should you slip and fall during hunting, and put a dent in the stock, you'll wince at doing that to the Marlin.
But you'll AGONIZE doing that to a Winchester or Browning.
The Marlin is made for hunting. The Winchester is made for collecting, showing off (not necessarily a bad thing) and careful hunting, in my opinion.
For hunting, I'll take the Marlin. For showing up at the range to cultivate "gee whiz" ... I'll take the Winchester.
One thing to consider: should you slip and fall during hunting, and put a dent in the stock, you'll wince at doing that to the Marlin.
But you'll AGONIZE doing that to a Winchester or Browning.
The Marlin is made for hunting. The Winchester is made for collecting, showing off (not necessarily a bad thing) and careful hunting, in my opinion.
For hunting, I'll take the Marlin. For showing up at the range to cultivate "gee whiz" ... I'll take the Winchester.
