We've only recently discovered Marlin lever guns in my family, partly due to the development of Leverevolution ammo and the notion that they don't have to be just "brush guns". Both the 30-30 and 35Rem can be 200yd rifles with a low-powered and low-mounted scope.
Leverevolution ammo will make it easier, as will a scope, but with a receiver sight, 200 yards is still doable with FP ammo.
But, there's nothing wrong with embracing improvements.
I'll hunt one day with my M94 with nothing changed except adding a receiver sight, the next day with a full-blown custom bolt gun. Don't tell anybody, but I fully intend on using an AR next season, a .458 SOCOM.....
