While I like the easy breakdown of the Marlins for cleaning from the rear, the Winchesters have a better looking profile for me. More "classic". You might, incidentally, want to wait a bit. FN USA is working on re-introducing the Winchester Model 94 built in South Carolina for sales in 20...

Thanks everyone. I'm leaning to Marlins thanks to your input. I'll let you know how it goes.

I appreciate the "let them pick their own" posts. I agree with that, as I have been able to do that myself. I plan on letting those that are still into hunting and shooting "pick their own" at age 16 - maybe a bolt gun with a scope if that is what they would want. This first rifl...

I hope that I don't open up a can of worms (brand wars), but you all don't seem like the type to get too riled up about a question like this. I have 5 children and 1 on the way (long winters up here in Idaho). 4 daughters, 1 son, and another daughter on the way. They all enjoy hunting with me, but w...