I was wondering about that as well with the hunting regs too. Prolly end up with a .44 but not sure. Rossi's any good? Don't want to break the bank either.
.38/357/.41/.44, usually will hold 8-10 cartridges, 30-30, usually 5-7 ...What are the capacity's of a lever gun usually?
Apparently the take-over was in 2007/2008, according to this link.
<http://www.shootersforum.com/rifles-rifle-cartridges/43778-remington-acquires-marlin.html>.
However, I did not hear about quality programs until after I bought my weapon. I head the impression the take-over was more recent.
You can't go wrong with the Marlins-they are very reliable.I would get a model 39 for your .22,you just can't beat them-try to get an older model-they can be picked up at most gun shows-as for the centerfire,I would opt for the .357 for its versatility of also shooting the .38 and the ammo is cheaper.