The BLR takes the half-cock thing to the next level. The hammer folds forwards sort of under the firing pin... hard to explain but brilliant when you see it. IMHO.
The crossblock safety looks pretty bombproof too on a Marlin, but I couldn't say I really know that- never taken it apart and you can't really see in there. It would appear that it puts a pretty good chunk of metal in the way of the hammer. However, I HATE the crossblock ergonomics, and just do what you do, half cock, when I've hunted with a Marlin.
