Find a Marlin made from 1972 to about 2000. I have handled a couple of the new ones, and they are getting the bugs worked out, but still look like they have a barely sanded 2x4 for a fore end. Wood is simply atrocious. The Henry's seem like decent rifles, but just weird to me for some reason. If you really want to treat yourself find a Miroku Browning 1886 SRC.

Always remember that you are unique, just like everyone else.