Howdy NY, I guess I'm a little late answering on this one, but I love mine so much I just had to chime in. I've got one from '53 that is in the SC configuration, and to be honest, I think I like that gun more than most anything else I own regardless of the price (bearing in mind that it is one of the least expensive ones I own). It looks and feels better than most anything else out there (to my eye anyways), points like an extension of you're thoughts, and just reminds me of a bygone era in american deer hunting. For a vintage Marlin in good condition, I would buy it in a second for 250.00.
If that don't all add up to the purest form of firearm love... I'm afraid I'm all out of words.
'scuse me as I sneak off to the safe to make sure my babies are all ok. Good luck and get the .35, It's real hard to beat if you handload (or even if you don't). Take care!!