I owned an old 444 Marlin. I sold it, due to the length of the action and the length of a 444 loaded with Keith cast bullets - not being compatible.

I would very much like a 348 and never have owned one. For me it would be the 348, but it would be 2x the price. Yet, I'm getting long in the tooth, but if I were to buy one today, it would be an original 348, not the Jap model 71's. I would not care so much for a collector grade one, But, I'd like it to be a shooter.

That is my personal preference.

I've own several 358's and a couple 45-70's and I like them all, but that wasn't your question.

I prefer classic.
Semper Fi
I used to run with the hare. Now I'm envious of the tortoise and I do my own stunts but rarely intentionally