I found out that the receiver on the blued model is grooved so it will take 22 rings. I still can' t decide. The savage is $21 cheaper than the marlin and it has a synthetic stock. However, gun tests says that the balance isn' t as good as the marlin and that the stock butt is slippery. The marlin has a birch stock which I think is pretty much worthless. However, it has the more non slip butt plate and gun tests says it is very well balanced. It also holds two more rounds which is nice. This is tough! What do you think about the stock on the savage as far as scope alignment. The comb is straight so it isn' t high like the marlin, supposedly you get less check contact.