My wife has one of those Marlin carbines, but in 9mm. She loves it. Makes sense for her, as she is a 9mm/38/357 kind of a girl.

I have read of premature part breakage, but there are many sites that offer part upgrades. Actually, I do not think it will be a problem for her, unless the zombies really do come. I also have been told that the marlin carbine must be cleaned every 200 rounds or so, to function properly. So far, so good. My guns go thru maybe 500-1000 rounds a range visit, but hers do not.

Me? I feel the manliness melting off of me when I pick up my 9mm Kahr. I prefer the big bores. If I sqint real hard, I can pretend the .40 is a big bore.
I like the rifle enough, that I have been playing with the idea of geting a Ruger pistol that uses the same mags. Right now, my house gear involves a Glock 21 and the ruger. Does not quite match up.

As far as ammo goes, I have some glasers, and the cool federal expanding full metal jacket. I eventually want to score some of that nifty plus-p corebon FMJ.