The Marlin 336 is an awesome gun, beginner or not. After 38 years of hunting I finally came full circle and went back to the 30-30. In all that time I've onlt taken 1 shot that would have stretched the 30-30's limitations. I've also come to grips with the fact that I'm not a good enough shooter to hit anything beyond 200-250 yards. Two back surgeries and bursitis in my shoulders sure makes me appreciate the lighter recoil too.