I have owned and used both the Marlin and Winchesters. The current 94' s are very well made just as the 336' s are. (As a matter of fact I currently own a 1894 Marlin .44 Magnum with 16.25" barrel, fitted with an aperature sight. Another nice short-medium range carbine for whitetails.) I would look at both the Wichester and the Marlin...they each feel a little different due to stocks, actions, and forends. Pick the one that feels the best to you and you' ll never regret it!

Good luck...and many good hunts!

P.S. As the wife and I are moving back to Alaska this upcoming spring we are currently looking at both the .45-70 and the .450 Guide Rifles. (I just hope Marlin brings the .450 out in Stainless soon!) It' s primary purpose will be as a packing rifle and a camp gun. It will also be equipped with a large " Ghost ring peep" . One of us will have it, while the other of us carries something with a little more " ranging potential" . Circumstances will dictate exactly " which other rifle" ! (ie. Sheep, Moose, Bear, Caribou, etc.)