I like these guns. The main thing I try and keep in mind is these were eccono guns and there was the occasional slip up .I had a bad shotgun and my friend had a problem with his 243. That is 2 out of a very large number between us both. Issues can run the gammut, I dont think any that are obvious until you start shooting.
One idiosyncrasy is: if you oil the action it can pop open. These are best lubed with just a few drops into the trigger area and nothing around the lugs, I dont think it is dangerous, but; some people will freak. I never had it happen, then I always consider these beater guns. Fun, no worry, low maintenance (very low).
Barrels need to be fitted, so beware replacement barrels on eBay, etc.. Some trial and error can work IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING. In general, just dont do it.
I like the wood stocks. The wood is crap, but; I like them. I like the forearm with the schnoble tip. I think choat made a black plastic that cut down weight. This is really not the gun to worry about making it fancy. If it camo, fine, its camo.
I used to read a lot of good thing about 35 rem and a former friend swore by that in a Marlin. Today, ammo is scarce if available at all. I only meet one person at our club still shooting that and he reloads.