![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
Now I had both a Mossberg and a Marlin before:
The Mossberg was a first year 464 straight stock, but I wasn't shooting it well and was lured by the thought of a .357 Magnum levergun to match my revolver.
The Marlin was 1894 .357 made right Remington made them move. (Jam-o-matic!) I grew to hate the thing so much that I actually missed my HiPoint Carbine more! It was the quickest sell off ever.
So, again, why a new one? I do believe that Marlin (Remlin) has honestly tried to correct their mistakes and are making better rifles now. Mossberg has also gotten into their groove and are getting good reviews. (Based on web searches and reviews from non-magazine sources that get their income from advertising.)
Why not Rossi or Henry? Well Rossi's Rio Grande looks like the Marlin, so why not just get the Marlin. As for the Henry, well I really hate the fact that they don't have a side loading gate. I barely tolerate the tube loading on a .22 and just can't bring myself to do it on a large caliber carbine/rifle. Call it a personality flaw.
Now this is what I do know:
It will be in 30-30. I already have both a small and medium caliber rifle and want a large caliber to complete the set. The store that I will be buying it has the Marlin 336 in stock and the Mossberg 464 their second store. The Marlin they have in stock looks like the "W" edition with a flat black finish and non glossy stock. I'm going to ask for them to bring the Mossberg over so I can compare the two side by side. I'll check the balance, grip, sights, and stroke. Whichever feels best in the hand will come home at the end of June.
I'll be glad to have a full bore lever action again.