I haven't seen any new Marlin for a long time that meets the quality level of my simple but neat design, Golden 39M. I just looked it over again because of this thread and it's a quality gun. Cost $62 back in the day and is a work of art compared to what they put out today. It is disappointing.
Mine is a '52 or a '53. Back before they did the micro groove rifling. I have only shot it with rat shot. It's an heirloom I may give to a grandkid. I was going to give it to my nephew until he went libturd.