It really depends on your timeline. I found beautiful 1976, very little used Marlin 336 this fall for about 1/2 what a new one of the same style would cost. If I were in a hurry and found one for the price you're mentioning, I'd buy it and never look back. Good luck and have fun with your lever gun. (by the way, there's lever gun and marlin forums at www.shootersforum.com)