It has gone from “universally horrible” several years ago to “a crap shoot”. Some recent guns have fairly nice fit and finish, some are still having unacceptable problems. Short of stripping a new one down to pieces on the FFLs gun counter, you really won’t be able to know ahead of time. The mere fact that there is a dedicated Marlin Rant Forum should be enough warning....
https://www.marlinowners.com/forum/marlin-rant-forum/
John Davies
Spokane WA