I too have enormous appreciation for the Marlin 336.
I prefer it over the Winchester 94. No contest.
Bought my son at age 12 a circa 1952 94 Winchester. A pretty and collectible 90% condition model 94 Winchester. Unfortunately one couldn’t hit a barn door with it. That was a decade or so ago. I also bought him a marlin 95 ‘guide gun’ in 45-70 for him that would group constantly at 2” at 100 yards.
Around 3 years ago after much shade tree gunsmithing later, I finally discovered the front barrel band was torqued and applying undue stresses on the barrel which got worse as the gun got hot. I relieved the pressure by bending it slightly back to the point where there was a minimum of stress from the magazine tube and band, even when hot. It’ll group around 2-3” now.
My son appreciates the gun now. But prefers hunting with the Marlin.... I don’t blame him.