Today the smart money on the old Browning BLR 81, mine shoot great have good triggers and are scopable. I have 4 of them two .358's a .308 and a .243 Looking for a .284 if one is available will trade one of the .358's for one. I don't just shoot these rifles at the range, They are used in the field and I know what they will do.

You won't go wrong with the Marlin. They are a superb rifle and their lever action is smooth. I'm saddened to see you limit yourself to 357 or 44. If you had said 45-70 I would be much happier.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Mainehunter
I already have rifes in larger calibers, 6mm, 308, 30-06 and a 300 mag. I was looking for something that would be fun and inexpensive to shoot, also large enough to hunt at closer ranges.
I don't want to complain but few of you have stated why you like one make over another.

AAA,I have the marlin 1894 in 357 magnum. I have a hard time getting to hunt with it because everybody i hunt with tries to grab it.It'a fun gun to shoot.I have shot 2 deer with the 357 magnum cartridge in a handgun. One was 55yd away. With the extra velocity You get with the longer barrel I wouldn't hesitate to shot a deer at 100yds.I use the Hornady 140gr XTP bullet and H110 powder.

sam 444, thanks, thats the kind of info I'm looking for.