Sir Ron, I have JM marked Marlins in 20" blued and walnut, 20" stainless / laminate, and another unfired as issued blue/walnut. I carried the older blued out this spring for a walk-about. The first time it has been out it many years. The unmolested one was going to be a .50 conversion, that I decided not to do.
It is a toss up for me between unscoped versions of lever guns and bolt rifles with 20" barrels. I guess it depends on the day. I hiked around with the older blued one quite a bit, 20 or so years ago. But, my heart is more into the bolt rifles. I have a few revolver cartridge levers but they are mostly in the fun-gun category. Heck, I actually have some other levers. But, still prefer bolt rifles.
