A small Mea Culpa before I go on...I am a school administrator in a fairly anti-gun area. Because local LEA can be way over zealous about how they enforce gun laws I tend to fudge towards indisputable guns when it comes to HD, camping, and ATV'ing. I can not have any problems with the law or I will loose my job. Since I am on the short side of my career and can't wait to leave, I play it very safe. I would like to throw caution to the wind, but my family depends on me and I want to leave with a flush deck.
Having said that, for many years I have used my Marlin 1894 CP as an HD rifle when I feel the need. About ten years ago I cut a Weaver 63B mount in half and mounted a red dot in front of my XS ghost ring rear sight and was very pleased with the result. I know this might be a sin, but it works great. I generally use a .30/30 for camping, ATV'ing, and desert exploring in my truck (I have been taking my Ruger American Ranch 7.62x39 as well though) and always felt safe. I realize the use and value of an AR, but a good levergun is no slouch.
I am happy that Marlin is providing a product that might appeal to the more tactical crowd, but a regular, straight from the pawnshop Marlin would work equally as well. Just as with the Ruger Wrangler (Oh no here we go again with the Wrangler) any product that introduces people to leverguns and single actions is a winner with me! Go Marlin!
