In all seriousness, the Marlin is a great rifle, too. I own a Model 60, one of the best rifles ever made.
Brownings are nice, but in terms of quality AND accuarcy AND ruggedness, it's hard to beat the Marlin.
California sucks that's it.
Glad you finally got out. Good thing the HMR wouldn't chamber. Things could have gone sideways in a big way. JA can use that coon in the camp stew. At least then we will some idea of whats in it.