I know many here love Remington, but Remington has always put profit over quality. Marlin being sold to Remington was the worst thing that could ever happen to them. Remington as of late has suffered from poor quality control in many of their rifles due to cost cutting measures. It seems this may have trickled down to marlin with Remington's cost cutting bean counters. I know a company has to do what it has to do to stay in business, but I hate to see good American stuff being cheapened to the point of garbage. I know there are many companies that are putting out copies of Winchesters, but it ain't the same. I guess Marlins will be next. I will only buy pre-Remington Marlins.