I pretty much explained it here;
http://www.marlinforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28&page=2
I don't consider myself a Marlin Collector.
I have bought, sold & traded firearms for about 45 years. More than 300 firearms have passed thru my possession. I keep my collection to a minimum (by my standards) and have sold various guns because of financial needs at the time, a good profit, a divorce (years ago), just didn't like them or couldn't justify a use at that time, or, it was something that my son really wanted.
As stated, I've owned numerous Marlins over the years. I only have 2 center fire rifles at this time, both are 336 Marlins. Because they work and I love Lever Guns. Need I say more???
All of my firearms are for hunting, shooting sports and/or home defense. I don't own any military type stuff. I'm not apposed to that stuff but it's just not my style.
My 22 lr. is a Stainless M60 because it is the most accurate, out of the box, semi-auto 22 on the market. JMHO. Not as many after market gadgets as "some" but it is better built and has never failed to function.
To answer your question, I remember carrying a 30-30 Marlin in the mountains of Pa. back in 1974 and I'm sure that it wasn't the first Marlin in my life.
Well over 40 years.