The new Ruger/Marlins are a big step up from the Remington made guns. I have not shot a new Marlin but the complements on them are as numerous as the horror stories on the Rems. Plus, if you are a cast bullet shooter, the standard style rifling is a bit more friendly for that. You can make the older Micro-Groove guns shoot without leading but it usually take a bigger diameter bullet. The 1-20" twist in the new 44's is another big plus too.

100% on board with looking at the 1894 as well.... Ruger's Marlins are top notch at this point they didn't settle for mediocre. These guns are better than what Marlin had been turning out on old machinery for a number of years leading up to their sale to Remington. They are making some nice rifles right now although pricey but that is what it is. I'm waiting on a Texan with a straight stock before I buy one to keep but I have shot and owned a couple so far.