Marlin 336 advantages
Perhaps the biggest advantage possessed by the Marlin 336 is its solid top receiver, which allows a telescopic sight to be mounted low and overbore using a one-piece base (as opposed to a side mount or two-piece base). The Marlin action is reputed to be stronger than the Winchester action, due to its solid top receiver and round bolt. Its internal mechanism is simpler and easier to work on.
The Marlin's catalog weight is 3/4 pound heavier than the Winchester's, which helps to moderate recoil. The difference is not great, but it is noticeable. Of course, this also makes the 336 a slightly greater burden to carry over long distances. At only 7 pounds, however, the 336 is still a lightweight rifle.
The Marlin action feels tighter than the Winchester action, there is less lever slop, and the floorplate does not drop away from the receiver when the centrally mounted lever is operated, as does the Model 94. All of this adds up to an impression of solidity and quality that inspires confidence. As a friend of mine, who owns and shoots Model 94's, admitted: "The Marlin action feels more substantial."
The 336 comes with detachable sling swivel studs, which is a definite plus. The Marlin's walnut stock comes with a fluted comb, which I find attractive. I also like the solid rubber butt pad better than the Winchester's hard plastic butt plate.
The stainless steel barreled action of the 336SS is a definite plus. It looks good and offers the definite benefit of lower maintenance.
Winchester 94 advantages
The biggest supposed disadvantage of the Model 94, now that the top ejection has been replaced by angle ejection, is the open top receiver. When the bolt is all the way to the rear, bits of debris (snow, twigs, and the like) could theoretically drop into the action. But no one complains about the open top receivers of bolt action rifles, where exactly the same situation pertains. Personally, I think it is a non-issue.
The main advantages of the Model 94 are that its receiver is slightly slimmer than the Marlin 336, and has a flat bottom. This is due to its open top receiver and the fact that its lever is hinged internally rather than externally. The lever is also placed well toward the rear of the receiver. This design complicates the mechanism of the Model 94 (John Browning's designs tend to be over-engineered, yet very reliable), but make it exceptionally comfortable and convenient for one hand carry.
The standard Model 94 stock has a straight hand, which I prefer to the pistol grip stock on the Marlin 336C and 336SS, and also a slimmer forend. These features, together with the 94's slimmer receiver, make the whole rifle handier, trimmer, and slightly more attractive than the Marlin (at least to me), although both are good looking rifles. If there were an award for the "World's Best Handling Hunting Rifle," I would nominate the Winchester Model 94.
These differences make the Model 94 Traditional walnut slightly lighter than a Model 336C; a benefit if the rifle must carried long distances. Lower weight inevitably means more recoil, but most shooters find the Model 94 in caliber .30-30 reasonably pleasant to shoot.
Last, the Model 94 Traditional-CW is somewhat less expensive than the Model 336C. The difference in price is not great, but it is real--and it is in Winchester's favor.
I just have a higher expectation than most when it comes to accuracy. I know Marlin is not a horrible firearm, I have recommended the model 60 to several people, but you all must not stop and look at them on the rack. They look like someone used a can opener to cut the reciever (on bolt action anyways) and lever actions look like an old P.O.S. shotgun. Marlin is a entry level rifle, for beginners.
