no matter what you get the grass is always greener elsewhere, might want to plan on getting one of each so you can determine for yourself what is best for your wants and needs. the browning are real fine copies of winchesters and some of the early puma Rossi's also are, rossi is more hit and miss. Henry currently is probably the best of the batch that is currently being made. time will tell what the new marlins will be. then there is also the old Ruger 96 lever action 44 mag.
ive never had a bad marlin that was made in the 60's or 70's. I never did like the big button safety on the Winchester ae's. but the new Japan made with tang safety seem to be real good quality and price tag reflects this. just my own personal opinions on some lever action 44 mags