Your FRIEND isn't safe, it has nothing to do with the gun. He should have checked to see if it was loaded before he put his face infront of the muzzle. I think the new ones might have a last shot bolt hold open any way. I'm not sure though.

Marlins are nice for the money, but if you want to play with it you can't beat the 10/22. They make a million after market parts for it.

I also had a Henry lever action I liked a lot and it was under 200 bucks. One of the most accurate .22 I have owned right out of the box.

Paul