I am a Ruger man generally. I have NEVER heard positive coments on the model 96 and wouldn't have one. I do however have the Marlins in 22, 357, 44 Mag, 45 Colt, and some Rifle calibers. The 1894 is a shooter as are Most Marlins. I shoot both the 240 grain white box Winchester SP's and the 300 grain Federal Premium Cast Core. Haven't done any 100 yard shooting as my eyes don't quite cotton up to that but at the shorter ranges you can shoot the center out of the target.
