My first gun was a Marlin 336 in 30-30, and I love it. One important Marlinfeature that most people overlook is the safety. The Winchester 94 doesn't have one, and if you cock the gun and decide you don't want to shoot it, it can be very easy for your finger to slip while trying to lower the hammer.

One disadvantage with a lever action thoughis it's harder to use the hammer with a scope, since the scope and hammer generally has a small clearance. Marlin does include a hammer offset, so you can use it from the side, but I don't like it as much.

I'd stillsay go for it, since the Marlin is an excellent firearm.