I haven't personally had a Marlin Lever action jam, but most of the jamming complaints I've read have been with the LeverEvolution ammo and needing to VIGOROUSLY cycle the action. They're not dainty guns and don't like to be treated as such. Wouldn't make me shy away from the Marlin.
I am a lefty and have no problems with the marlin ejection.I have been looking at a Puma b/c my Wife is a lefty and I figure the top eject would be a better bet if we both shoot it from time to time.
I suppose the biggest drawback is the challenge associated with optics.
Does anyone have one of these in .44? What do you think? Can a scope be mounted on it?
I have done some research and have read that Marlin seems to take a scope better, but Buds's guns has the Puma for less than $400.00.