the rumor is (gunblast.com) that Marlin moved BACK INTO THEIR OLD FACTORY!!! Lever gun fans rejoice!! They're still owned by Remington/Freedom group, but the QC has already improved according to Mr. Quinn on gunblast.
to OP - I'd get a 38/357, 44 mag, or 30-30... or a .22 if you don't have one. ... or just get 'em all
I used to really like my (pre-Remington) Marlin levers. Until I got a Henry. I wont go back to Marlin now, man I LOVE my Henry!
If you are considering a buying a levergun, do yourself a favor and find someone with a Henry you can handle/shoot before you make your decision.
As far as caliber goes, I like a levergun in the same caliber as my revolver.
I have a Rossi M92 in .44 mag. Had the barrel cut down by AllenM. Now I got an 18" carbine with the heavy octagon barrel. Love it.
Don't forget, you'll need a mare's leg too. Levers ain't just for rifles...
Mine is a take down, so it wasn't exactly "affordable". Does fit in my briefcase.
Couldn't find an old Marlin 336 in 30-30, so I got a new one last year. Action is kinda notchy. Have to get it smoothed out. I want a guide gun, but I'm waiting for the quality (and money) to return.
I already got it, a trio of .357's.
Henry's have a place in the market. They make a product that is priced well. They function well.
That said I will run my marlin's next to a Henry a At any range time you want to shoot one. I am not putting down the Henry in any way here (plastic parts zinc alloy frames ECT) all things have trade offs. Just talking about the feel of a man size rifle and the amount of 10 rings shots on target. All my marlins are also older models so take the remlins out. They are not marlins.
Marlin's in General were a working mans gun except the model 39a which was a superior lever gun made to last lifetimes.