I have seen some quality issues myself with Marlin. I have more than just a few Marlins and I can say without a doubt that every single one is accurate and functions flawless.
My 32 mag is a real tack driver and has a nice tiger stripe stock. It prints groups like this 5 shot group for the Ranch Dog postal match, at 50 yards with open sights.
My 308MX is a work of art onto it's self. It has a beautiful stock and shoots like a dream. This 5 shot group was shot at 100 yards with a 3.5-10 Leupold scope.
My old 44 mag has a pretty plain stock but has an action that is smooth as butter and shoots groups like this at 50 yards with open sights.
The 1895G 45-70 is another work of art, with beautiful wood and the accuracy isn't bad to boot with 100 yard groups like this.
My Dad's old 336 30-30 from 1977 will hang in there with the best of them. It has pretty plain wood but lacks not for accuracy. With Hornady Leverevolution ammo it shoots at least this good at 100 yards with a 3-9 scope.
Here is another group with the 1895G 45-70 It is capable of groups better than this, but this one was shot at 100 yards with Hornady Leverevolution ammo.
I have a few more Marlins and they all seem to shoot as good as these. I have seem some quality issues with Marlin, wish I had the money to buy more
I think I would give Marlin a chance, they will do you right. Hands down it is my go to gun!!