I thinking about buying an 1894 Marlin 44 magnum. I had one of the notorious "Remlins" so I know from experience to avoid those. There is a used one that I am looking at online that has the crossbolt safety and a red pad. I prefer the non-checkered stocks. My other 2 Marlins, 336 and 39 are 1977 vintage and they have both been great guns. Any advice on the best year models for reliability? Thanks.

there is nothing wrong with the the very latest production marlin guns. I am at close to 500 rounds through mine and I can't see how a JM gun would be better. mine is a late 2018 production.

Easy to defeat the cross bolt safety with an o-ring I had the Marlin 44mag 94 and had no problems with it .Except I hated the look and feelof those fat forearms