Not a huge fan of bolt action rifles though I own a few. All accurate weapons. Here in the dense forested north east I prefer a short lever gun, pump or semi-auto. You will almost never get that 300 yard shot in a park like setting around where I hunt. The ability to swing the gun and get off a second shot is paramount around here. You may not see the twig that will deflect and possibly injure a whitetail. I almost always try to get a quick second shot in just in case.
My most accurate rifle is a butchered 03A3 that I picked up for $50. It will shoot 1/2” groups with most ammo. I rarely hunt with it though. Too awkward in dense foliage . My Marlin 336 in .35rem. Is accurate enough and powerful enough. It comes up quick and levers quickly for that second shot.
I too have enormous appreciation for the Marlin 336.
I prefer it over the Winchester 94. No contest.