I shot a Marlin 70 for about 7 years and had fairly good luck with it. Accuracy deteriorated after 2,000 rounds. This is probably due to micro-grooved rifling.
I bought a hardwood stocked Savage 64 in 1999. Scope is a Simmons 44MAG 2X- 7X. I've fired well over 3,000 rounds through it.
It a tack driver at 35 yards. Savage features button cut rifling which does not wear down like Marlin's micro-groove barrels. I've had good luck with all 22 LR ammo but tightest groups with FEDERAL and WINCHESTER ammo. But keep your Savage 64 clean for perfect functioning. Even the magazine should be dis-assembled and cleaned. YouTube has an instructional 3 part video clip on dis-assembly and cleaning that is quite informative.
I feel that Savage has the BEST trigger and BEST accuracy despite very affordable price. Savage 64 is a keeper!
If you're bored with plinking plain paper targets: shoot deer, elk, moose, etc. within magazine photos and calendar pictures.
Good shooting to you.
TR