I suggest you shop for a used Marlin-there are millions of them, they are very inexpensive, and you can examine and handle the gun as much as you like before you buy it. I have a1961 336SC (short magazine) Marlin in .35 Rem that I bought for $175. It's very smooth, high quality, shoots great, and is a fine defence weapon in addition to a super hunting rifle. I have added a butt cuff and a Limb saver recoil pad, and replaced the rear sight with a newer Marlin Buckhorn sight, larger so I can see it better. They are excellent "offhand" shooting rifles, very quick to point, fast handling, and a good alternative to the black rifles.
I don't there is any difference in the rifles you mentioned other than the cosmetic differences.
The basic action and the materials are identical.
Mark
SC stood for Sporting Carbine.