I thought I'd add my experience with one of the new Marlin ( Ruger) 1894 lever actions in 357/38. I didn't need one as much as I wanted one, so I decided to visit the funstore in May . I didn't have a chance to get to the range right away but I did not like how hard it was to open the action .Some quick internetting showed me how to change the lever detent spring. I bought a new lighter spring ( offbrand no name spring) for about $15 delivered. More internetting showed me it was probably an ace hardware spring that I overpaid for... Anyway, I installed it and while doing so, I found how rough the detent hole was. Some really fine grit sandpaper wrapped around a dowel really helped the detent to move easily. This helped the action smoothness greatly.
Finally got to the range and it was fun to shoot. I had mounted a primary arms rimfire scope since I had it laying on the workbench with nowhere else to live. I have to say that accuracy/grouping was less than exciting. Resting the carbine on a bag, shots fell into loose 2" groups @ 25 yards. Old plastic bagged mixed ammo from an old friend may have hurt grouping for sure.
 The leather wrap I had added to the lever helped, but I'd suggest you buy a thicker higher quality one instead of the cheapest lever wrap I could find on ebay. It didn't add much comfort after 150 rounds.
The trigger measured just over 10 lbs pull on my gauge, so that was next.
Well, I ordered a set of Wolf springs directly from them and they arrived on my porch the next day, awesome service from a great company.
I swapped both the hammer spring  and the lever spring again since I was in there .
While I haven't had a chance to fire it again, the action is even smoother to open and the trigger pull dropped from 10.2 lbs to 4.1 lbs.
   So, it's a well made little lever gun that can be greatly improved with a simple (2) spring kit, one screwdriver and a punch.
 I'll feed it some better quality factory ammo next time too.
Cant wait to get back to the range with this neat little carbine.
FWIW...
DanG

I have changed all my Marlin triggers out using WWG Happy Trigger.  I disliked the floppy trigger that was OEM and improved the break significantly.  I also found that I liked RPP Medium Loop over the Large loop. Attached File

Yes on the WW happy trigger, and since you have a half cock on the hammer, the Turnbull safety delete gets rid of the unnecessary cross bolt safety.

I am very happy with my Ruger 1894.