Lots of Marlins guys will tell you all Remlins are junk and JMs are the best. But if you spend anytime googling or Marlinowners forum, you will see lots of fixes for old JMs. I like levers, but there are more moving parts.
Thes one that were being producd whened Remington bought them do have quality issues. I had buggered screwes and stripped holes. They retooled around 2014, and they seem to be pretty good. I just bought an 1895. Lamintated stock has a line I can feel in it, when I try. But the actually function of the gun is great. Not as smooth as my 1894, also Remlin, but I think that may because it is stouter. I'd probaly avid 2008-2014ish. But I would not over pay for a JM. Some people have been gouging on them IMO.
Lets also keep in mind, Marlin has been sol a few times, as most gun companies have been. Do we consider all of them out of business in 1890 or 1930?
