Marlin 1895SBL
I picked up one of these rifles in .45-70 last week because I really liked the looks of them and also because I'm a big fan of the chambering. I read and heard some bad reports on these rifles after Remington bought Marlin out. Things like poor wood to metal fit, sharp edges, sloppy machining and probably others that this old brain can't remember.
Well I guess Remington got Marlin's plant back in order. The wood to metal fit is excellent, finish (stainless) is perfect. All edges are smooth, including the corners of the lever loop and the thing shoots great. I'm not putting a scope on this rifle but keeping it for close range work using the ghost ring and ramp front sight.
I didn't think I'd like the ramp front and even sent an email to Marlin telling them it should be a white ivory bead instead. But I was wrong. It is great for fast acquisition.
Can't wait to hunt with it.