A lot of people trash talk the 30-30 as nothing but an underpowered wounder of deer. In my experience, this sort of comment is most likely to come from the guy that shows up to hunt 70 pound deer in thick cover (where 75 yards is a LONG shot) carrying a 26 inch barrel, .300 Weatherby magnum with a 6-24 power scope.
While 30-30 is by no means my favorite caliber, a hunter that understands and abides by its limitations and uses it in appropriate areas, doesn't really give up much to faster shooting, more powerful calibers.
My personal preference in 30-30 lever guns is the Winchester Model 94 Trapper model with a good receiver sight and an ivory bead front. A fiber optic would probably work better than the ivory bead, but to me they just don't look right, kinda like headlights on a covered wagon.
The short 16" barrel and receiver sight work very well for me in the areas that I consider appropriate for 30-30 use.
As much as I like the Winchester 94, if you're planning to scope the rifle, the Marlin is probably a better choice unless you favor the "Scout" type scope.