I’ve had to send back two new Marlins (Remlins) for replacement, and one of those had to be sent back as well. From what I’ve heard, Marlin was a good company till they were bought by an investment group. The best built production guns I have owned were all Japanese, (Browning, Weatherby Vanguard). My go-to big game hunting rifle is a Browning X-Bolt White Gold Medallion In 7mm mag. Free floated barrel, glass bedded stock and an air gauged hand lapped barrel finished with a beautiful walnut stock. For what these rifle come with from the factory along with impeccable fit and finish, proves that production rifles can be very well made, although this model is a bit on the pricey side for a factory rifle, but a bargain compared to a custom build of equal quality. Oh and did I mention it’s a tack driver.