I'm a marlin levergun fan. I have a 336 in .30-30, two 1894s in .44mag, one stainless and one blued, and two 1895's in .45-70, the 1985 Cowboy with the long octagonal barrel, and the 1895 Stainless Guide Gun...
The .30-30 sees the least use, but I keep the others working pretty hard! The 1895 Cowboy even sees action as a coyote rifle on occasion. I say you can't go wrong with any of the marlin line up. The only thing I wish was different was I wish the pistol grip stocks weren't becoming so common, but I understand, it's not Marlin's idea, it's consumers. I guess I'm just a traditionalist!