Two questions:
1) I have noticed there is a sentiment that since being taken over by Remington, Marlin's quality has gone down. Is this really true, and can anyone explain that?
After Remington aquired Marlin most of the long-time/experienced Marlin levergun workers were also history (some due to attrition, some due to being unwilling to relocate) - and then Remington not only moved the Marlin production initially to NYS, a few years later they moved the Marlin levergun production from NYS to Kentuckey. THEN, QC really went down the tubes, causing Remington to "temporarily halt" Marlin levergun production (it ended up being a year or two), before resuming the levergun production of a reduced lineup.
2) Any thoughts on Henry's 30-30 lever?
The brassie Golden/Big Boy's - FatBoy's, heavy for what they are (or should be: a hunting rifle); the blued carbon steel model much less so, most likely because they are a closer copy of the Marlin design.
The Rossi .30-30's seem to have good reviews, the .45-70's less so. YMMV)
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