Took it to the range today, what a beautiful day, 60 degrees and sunny. Took 15 rounds to zero the red dot at the 35 yd. range pistol range, I didn't feel like going to the 50/100/200/300 range. I shot 130 gr. and 158 gr. .38 spl, then some hot 158 gr. .357 "Deer load" from Georgia Arms. The .357 had a little more kick and louder but still very manageable. Shooting the .38spl was like shooting a .22. It was fun. The best group was around 1" with the .357 and worst was 2" with the 130 gr. 38 spl.
The gun was dry and I didn't take any lube with me. So the action felt sluggish. When I got home I gave it a good lube job and working the lever to get the lube soaked in. It felt much smoother.
Since this is my first Marlin since the Glenfield model 60 that my dad got for me in 1978, I don't have much to judge the quality against. I am pleased with it. It shot straight and it held together for around 100 rounds. The inexpensive Bushnell works fine (I have two, one for my Ruger 10/22), it was easy to sight in and held zero for the mild recoil rifle.
It is definitely a fun gun to keep around.