If you want a pistol caliber marlin, check your local cowboy club. The italian repro toggle link guns rule the game, these days, so the marlins aren't in that much demand. I've seen a lot of used '94s go for like $300-350. 336s aren't that hard to find. If you're planning on deer, hogs, or other decent sized game , definitely go for the .44, or a rifle caliber. Not much difference in ammo prices for .44 vs .357, and a LOT more power.
As to other levers, I really like my big marlin 1895 cowboy. it's an absolute tackdriver. Only problem is that .45-70 ammo is just about as pricey as they get, short of the african game cartidges.
The other options are Winchester/Browning/Rossi/EMF 1892s, which is a top ejecting pistol caliber rifle, and the Winchester 1894, which is available for either pistol or rifle calibers. In rifle calibers, it's a fine gun, but difficult to scope, because of the top ejection. In pistol calibers, it makes a good doorstop. Ugh. No comparison to a marlin for reliability, or smoothness.
If you're wanting to use it with modern magnum ammo, stay away from the italian toggle link guns. Although they are smooth and fast, they are not strong.
~~~Mat