I don't think he fixed more Winchester than Marlins because the Winchesters were bad or necessarily highly inferior .... he just stated that the issues that needed attention on the Marlins were easier and less time consuming issues. Less labor, less parts, less money. He was first a machinist, then a smith, but mostly a pragmatist. Besides, when he was alive and smithing (40's to mid 70's) there were more Winchesters owned by hunters and sportsman than Marlins, so the numbers game probably had much to do with total guns being used and their age, and the fact that they were favored weapons and therfore used and ridden hard and "put away wet", not literally, just that tools are meant to be used. The 336 has worked it's way into the gun lockers of more folks since then and probably they have their own issues peculiar to them.

I have to admit that when I handle my Win Model 55 and compare it to my brothers 336 the Winchester does have an easy-to-the-cheek feel and is comfortable in my hands. But I suspect when actually shouldering in the field with a rapid heart beat I wouldn't notice a thing.