Marlin may be back... But I sure the quality is not what A JM stamped 336 is....
The ruger made guns are better than any marlin built in the last 100 years jm stamped or otherwise. I have owned pretty much every model of marlin from the 1893 to the 336. Rugers fit finish and machining on these guns is fantastic. I sold my jm 1895 and a remington 1895 and bought a ruger made 1895 sbl with money left over to spare to buy a second one.
The ruger is a better gun. The blueing on the new 336 and 1894's at shotshot look better than new haven has ever made. I think the jm marlins will always hold a collectors market, however the need to seek out a jm gun just to have a nice marlin is over.
If ruger marlin ever makes a 336 cowboy limited in 38-55 ill dump my jm copy of that rifle as well. Same goes for my 1894 cowboy in 45 colt.