I have marlin lever actions in 357,44,and 444. The 357 is really a fun gun to shoot.I have killed deer with it but the 44 and the 444 are better.My 44 is the 1894p it has a 16 1/2 inch ported barrel this is a handy gun from a tree stand.If I had to choose one it would be the 444, loaded with the hornady 265 gr FN it's awesome on deer.