In '09 I used my .22rf revolvers to take the grouse I took while looking for elk.
Yes, the grouse were delicious! But not the wild flushing cousins of the S.E. applachian's. The spruce grouse were much easier to approach and would politely light on a nearby tree limb for you to "whack" them. I got two with "rat-shot" loads from my 6" S&W 617.
Instead of the Marlin, I recommend the .410 O/U as sold by Academy Sports.
It's the Yildiz.
I had hunted with a friends Browning Citori O/U for quail and was amazed at how close the .410 was to the 20ga 7/8oz loads I'd always used, but an even lighter easier swinging gun. In two weeks, it's leaving with me for Wyoming for a lengthy stay for elk hunting/grouse hunting/trout fishing trip.
I bought one of the Yildiz because it is a true .410 reciever, is Aluminum with steel inserts. It has a single-selective trigger, 5-choke tubes, and true ejectors. Weighs about 4-3/4lbs. I've equiped mine with sling swivel for extended all day carry.
The thing that really sold me was the lack of "cast-off" on the stock for a right handed shooter. (I shoot long guns left handed). I looked at several in the box and got the one with the best looking wood.
My friend who's Browning I'd used, and who owns 3 including his wife's competiton gun, after handling and shooting the Yildiz, bought one as a "loaner" and truck gun to keep from abusing the Brownings.......He shoots it more than the Brownings, now.
I've really enjoyed mine. I've even used .45lc shot loads in it for shooting pests around the house. They hold 0.4oz of shot, btw. just a little under the 1/2oz of a 2.5" .410. Even taken a number of squirrels around the house with it. (I live out in the "country". Even have my own range behind the house....)
I don't see the Marlin as being "clunky" however. Just "different". But, the Yildiz will handle the 3" shells and the Marlin won't.
In Georgia, the Marlin has to be "plugged" to limit the magazine to two plus the round in the chamber. It is a "shotgun" ya know!