I had one in .44 magnum. It went back to Ruger to get a new barrel, because it simply would not shoot under 4" at 25 yards no matter what it is fed. The bullets always keyholed through the target, even at 10 yards (200 and 240 grain bullets). Ruger rebarreled it and said, "It was up to spec." I asked them what that meant and they would never tell me. I got it back and it shoots about 8" at 100 yards now, which still sucks in my book. My dad now owns it and likes it, but he just plinks at 25-50 yards, so it is fine for him.
I bought two Marlins in .357 and .44. Love them both and they are extremely accurate. Flinch
