That marlin is a good gun, but you may also want to look at the 10/22
I think a good quality 22 lr is a great place to start, my preference is a bolt action, but I am old school
I have a marlin 1894c in 44 mag, I bought it used about 20 years ago and I have never had a problem with it
I haven't owned one in 357 myself but from what I hear they are very reliable