Total, my family has three Marlin lever guns, a .450, a 4570, and a 30-30. There is also a 30-30 Winchester in there, and it never gets shot anymore because the Marlin is a much better Firearm. The receiver is stronger, the wood is better, it is just a stout gun. The 30-30 is about as much fun as you can have with a gun, and is more than enough for black bear, hogs, deer, antelope, and coyotes. Great way to learn how to shoot with the iron sights, and the Marlin is side ejection, making mounting a scope on it in the future much easier. It is also drilled and tapped for a one piece mount (I like the Burris signature mount or the Leupold one piece). Good luck, and do yourself a favor and go with the Marlin.