The Marlin is the better of the two, IMHO.... But then, this debate has probably been going on for 100 years (Marlin vs Winchester). Click on this hyperlink to read a really great description and differences between the two:

http://members.1stconnect.com/anozir...ns/3030faq.htm

I bought a co-workers' Marlin 30AS 30-30 roughly 2 years ago, after he wanted to sell it. Once I took it to the range to try it out first, I just fell in love with it, and bought it instantly!

The main deciding factor on Marlin over Winchester? Its scope mounting ability. Marlin's come already drilled and tapped for a low profile scope right on top of the receiver. Winchesters now have angle eject and can have a rather tricky scope mount system. But then, that's just my opinion. Others may differ....

Butch A.
P.S. Here is a look at my Marlin 30AS (now with a nice older Glenfield fixed 4x32 scope on a Weaver base):