RE: Lever guns
I have a Marlin 336, 30-30 and an old Win 94 in 22 mag. I love levers and always have. I'm starting to get used to bolt actions though, but I'm very picky as they all seem to bind and are not smooth. My dream gun in a BLR in 270 WSM, though I wouldn't turn one down in 308. The new Marlin 308 express (I think that's what they call it) excites me, but I'm leary of cartriges that only fit one gun. I have a friend with a Win 94 in .307 that loves the gun but can't get ammo. The new Hornady ammo is great. We used it this year and it seems to do well on the trajectory side of things.
They're not everyone's cup of tea, but I love 'em.
Spud