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.
I knew BC would finally see the light and buy Savage!
I doubt the boy needs a beater, I'm sure he will treat it like grandma's china.