you should buy a Marlin 336 in 30/30, 35, or their new 308MX because:

its a classic hunting rifle everyone should experience

it will help stimulate the economy

it will re-grow hair in cases of male pattern baldness

it will lower you by two pants sizes

it slices, it dices, it does practically everything

it will bolster hunting product sales, ensuring hunting's future

it will make you more attractive to the opposite sex

you can never get enough of that "New Gun Smell"

So did any of those help talk you into it? Bottom line is, if you want it, and can afford it, go ahead. Its a good gun and good calibers for what you seem to be looking for.