I guess it depends on what you want to do with it.. If you want to use it for deer hunting the Winchester Model 94 or the Marlin are hard to beat.. I traded off a Model 94 AE carbine a few years ago and now kick my self for it.. :tears: But I have sense got another one non carbine that I will use for deer... I also have an Ithica Saddle Gun 22 and that thing is smooth as silk.