What kind of BS is this? Do you really expect me to believe that firearm manufacturers actually make a sub-standard line of guns for large discount department stores?
With the litigious society that we live in today, what gun maker is going to risk it all to make two versions of the same gun? They're NOT! That would be lunacy.
That is like telling folks not to buy a car from Car-max because thay are selling "seconds".
Just because you can sell them cheaper than anyone else does not mean it is a cheaper gun. It just means they have more buying power and can leverage a better deal out of the gunmakers.

Sorry Nomercy, got off the subject a little...
I think if you want nostalgia go with the Winchester. The new tang safety is a huge improvement over the sliding cross bolt type. I like the 94 Ranger but would lean more towards the Trapper, again nostalgia.
I know you like Marlins so I will be respectful to your choices. I have just never really opened up to the whole "micro-groove" thing, don't care for it.
Ballard, broached or button...just not micro-groove for me.
Good luck,
Mark