I like the Marlins better than the Winchesters, from a handling and shooting standpoint, JMHO.
That being said, my go to, favorite deer rifle is an old Winchester Model 88 in .308. Not a 'conventional' lever action according to the purists, but screw them! :lol:
This gun fits right, and is 1 helluva shooter! It shoots like an extension of my arm, just points where I want it to. I've always been 1 to take my time, wait for the perfect shot. But with this rifle I've taken several running deer, just because I've had the confidence in the gun to take the shot. Never lost 1, never more than 2 shots.
The M88 triggers ain't what you would call a 'glass rod breaking' scenario, and some may take a little getting used to, but mine suits me fine. I remember Craig Boddington writing these rifles up several years ago, and talking about a shop out in Ca. that was pretty good with them. Seeing as I'm just a pore 'ole country boy, I shoot it as is, with pretty decent results.
I'd like to find 1 in .284 Win 1 of these days, just for GP. :wink: