My suggestion to you is buy the first reasonable
priced, best condition Marlin or Winchester that
comes along.

Unfortunately I will be no help to you. I own
a circa early 1990s Marlin Trapper and a
circa late 1990s Winchester Trapper. Both
bought brand spanking new by me.

I like both very much. I will say this much the
the finishing of both are nice, but the Winchester
is better.

Both are treated as if they are the last on Earth,
and would be price prohibitive for someone to
buy them from me.

The best to you and your endeavors.

__________________
SD social distanc'n since 1889