I prefer the Marlins but I like rolling block Remingtons for cast and black powder load connection to history.

With the Marlins, I'd avoid the ported barrels because of the noise.

The XLR was great, the SS was good too, the ported Guide gun carried great but was loud, the un-ported Guide gun was nice.

All of mine have been sold and were $1000 + several years ago.

Good luck!

"Camping places fix themselves in your mind as if you had spent long periods of your life in them.
You will remember a curve of your wagon track in the grass of the plain like the features of a friend."
Isak Dinesen