Yes. I have had a Marlin 1894 CSBL (.357) on order since April - my timing was awful. It can take a red dot, and with a replacement fore end can take a good sling and light (Surefire 3 cell of course). It solves most ballistic issues that are likely to come up and as far as I know could hunt deer with it. As a pure fighting arm, a quality AR is of course better - but fully equipped is roughly 3 times the cost. (And I have two, one of which is not set up.)

I have a (Wilosn) 9mm AR that takes Glock magazines. It fits a niche similar to that of the 357 lever gun, but for a lot more money and without the flexibility for travel into less tolerant areas. In the grand scheme, it was not a smart purchase - the bang for the buck is not there.

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NHI, 10-8.