I happened to be a LGS last week when a deputy came in to pickup his new Marlin 1895 GBL, 45/70. We all got to fondle the rifle, if I didn't already own a converted 2001 Guide Gun I'd be proud to own the one he bought. The store also had a new production 1894 (336?) in 35 Rem, I inspected it quite thoroughly, mostly out of curiosity, it was fine. Handled real nice, smooth action, good fit 'n finish.
I bought an entry-level Marlin in .17hmr recently, it patterned nicely, almost as good as my Rem 870 Express. That's probably the story with everyone's $200 rifle though.