lever actions are fun, but no replacement for a bolt action imo. i own a marlin 33630-30 and love it though. its a great brush gun and can handle goin through some rough stuff. the weight is nice as it isnt too heavy to tromp through the woods but isnt so light you feel like you have to baby the thing. shoots great imo. i wouldnt put a scope on it though. my roomate put a scope on his (bought one after i did)and foundit more difficult to judge how he should aim in open shots and different elevations