I have a Rossi I bought for CAS. I've slicked it up, tweaked this, polished that to the point that it's one slick little rifle...I mean the lever works effortlessly. BUT, over time it became VERY fickle about cartridge lengths. When I first got it, it'd feed .38's like crazy with no problems then began double-feeding them. That's when I did all the polishing, tweaking, etc. I finally gave up and just started loading .38's to near .357 length. Feeds great now although authorative ejection can be dicey. Fairly complex design, but relateively inexpensive.
I have a two Marlins; a 375 and a 45-70. They're great rifles, but a tad bit complicated (to me) to work on. A plus for them is easy scope mounting.
Just bought a Uberti 1873 in .44 Special. I now see what it is THE choice of so many CAS competitors. Fast, EASY to work on, and so, so very simple and rugged. Plus the 1873's are just so classy looking!
So, if you're gonna scope it, get a Marlin. If you want inexpensive, get a Rossi. If you want rugged simplicity, a Uberti.
35W