I have the Marlin. I like it. I have killed a couple of deer the last 2 years with it. I have had trouble getting used to using a scope for hunting. I have used and 870 with open sights for 20 years, but my eyes are getting a little worse. I have found that it does not drop them like a 12 ga slug, especially if you use really fast ammo like Hornady levernation. I have had better luck with fairly cheap (Federal) JHP.
I've only shot the '92 Saddle Ring Winchester Carbine I inherited from my Dad. It is as good and straight of a shooter as you could ask. It has the big loop lever. That's my only complaint. I've never tried riding at the bad guys, with the reigns in my teeth, twirling the Winchester around like Rooster Cogburn to cock it, in which case the big loop lever might work; but, I think the regular lever is much more ergo dynamic for average shooting.
Never heard the term 'flip-cock' before, I guess it does work for some!
I'm a lefty and hunt with a Ruger .44 Carbine. I really like it and it never throws brass in my face. I had two but sold one in December at the Pocket trader in Martinsville.