I prefer used - My personal preference is for older, pre-safety, Marlin's with smooth walnut stocks and I'd recommend that you hold out for a clean older gun if you can find the time and patience to shop around a bit.
I believe that you have identified the most important aspect of Marlinitis.SgtDog0311 said:I got bit by the Marlin bug in December when I bought a new 1895STBL 45/70.
Can't say I'm not anxious to have it back and can't say I regret the new purchase, and I can't say I saved a boat-load of money either but I got fair deals and I had a lot of fun finding these Three Amigos.