I like marlin better becasue marlins have solid top recievers,which makes it easier to mount optics. I also like overall design and quality with marlin better. They are simple to work on/slick up also. My advise is to look at the browning blr. You still have excellent carrying/shooting qualitys,but they are in class by themselves (not counting discontinued winchester and savage) because they are available in more powerful,modern,longer range cartridges,which in my humble opinion,makes them much more versatile all purpose rifles.