questions about choices

[flatlander]

I am finally working on replacing a lever rifle that was stolen from me years ago. I was partial to Marlins in the past, but I'm not that familiar with any of them anymore. Right now I'm looking at either a 44 mag or a 30-30 since I have all of the reloading stuff I need already for the same calibers in my contender. The first real question that I have is why are the Marlin 44's barreled with a 1:38" twist? That seems to be kind of anemic to me, but is this a problem or do they shoot ok with most bullets?
Second, not to start a Ford/Chevy/Dodge type war, but how is the manufacturing by the different companies these days? I picked a Marlin over the Winchester last time I bought one, but that was years ago, and I don't know how quality is currently. I seem to remember someone saying that Marlin might be falling off? Have any of you seen this to be true?
Finally, are there any other makers that I should consider? I need to say that I've seen the Ruger lever action and I'm not interested in it. I guess I'm looking for something more traditional looking and not a reworked 10/22. I'm probably not looking for a BLR either. Just not what I'm after. If I need a magnum, I'll use one of the bolt action rifles.  Thanks for your thoughts on this one.

[Blackhawk44]

To answer your first question, because that's how they've always done it.  It will stabilize 300gr bullet though so should not be a worry.  Second question, fit and finish pretty much equal with a little edge for better blueing to Winchester.  For overall function and accuracy in both calibers, Marlin.  Last, while I own a dozen levers, 66's, 86's, 92's, 94's when I wand to be sure that something over a 100lbs is on the ground, I grab a BLR non-magnum (308 or 257).  The lever works just as naturally and a good bit faster while always being more accurate.