I also have a Marlin 336 and believe that is is better quality than my winchester lever. Great gun for the heavy stuff but for working the fields and long tree lines I prefer a bolt action with a faster round. I'm not saying a 30-30 can not kill at 200 yards but there are times I may be looking at that 300 yard plus shot. That is just the hunting situations I usually hunt. For these I will use my 7mm mag, .270 or my 7-08. My suggestion is to determine what is the hunting situation you will be hunting most and then design the rig that will best suit your application. It my be a lever or may not. If you can provide some more detailed info then I sure you will get more informed responses than just opinion.