I think this rifle was designed by customer requests to Marlin. I read a good bit about this rifle on the LeverGuns forum. A lot of suggestions were sent in to Marlin, and they listened. Especially on the design of the lever. Not as large as the loop, yet large enough to allow gloves.

The first one I saw was blued with a walnut stock(which I prefer). But most of the requests were for SS. So I guess SS is the way they went.

That rifle should be the berries. Tom.