I own a Marlin 336 .30-30 and a Winchester Model 1894 .30-30. The Winchester was manufactured in the 1930's, and in my opinion has a much smoother action, a better trigger, better wood, and a handier design for putting it on my shoulder quickly than the Marlin. That being said, the newer (1980's and newer) Winchesters are not much different than the Marlin as far as I'm concerned with fit and finish. I prefer the winchester grip. The Marlin and newer Winchesters both take a scope well, and have adequate accuracy, so you probably can't go wrong with either. With the new leverevolution ammunition, I think I would go with the .30-30 over the .44.