What was the general quality of the Marlins in this era?
Great......built by the real Marlin craftsmen that cared
X/bolt safety added '83 ish.....still well made....
Then Remington bought Marlin....screwed the pooch from 2010-2015 (ish)
Lets see what Ruger does
I have one bought new in '80. Overall fit, finish and quality are excellent. Mine did come complete with the, "Marlin Jamb". It sat in the back of one of the safes until I decided, just last winter, to correct the situation. Since then, all good.