Agreed, if he doesn't mind the size. They are definitely full size rifles. Having owned a model 39, a BL22, a ruger 96/22mag, and a winchester 150, the Marlin 56 and the 57 I have, shoot a good bit better.
I have several 39's and a 9422.. I wish the 94 was a rifle not a carbine, but I will still choose it over the 39's. But they are excellent also. What ever turns your crank.