SUch a project should be done to make a rifle that is a bit special.
If I were you, I might think about re barreling it with a 26 to 30 inch barrel, maybe octagon to round. Also think about making a take-down out of it. If so you extend the magazine at the rear so the for-end hides the joint.
If the wood is good I'd re-shape it more to the way Marlin did their rifles in the 1890s and you can do the same with the lever.
You can turn that $150 rifle into a $1500 rifle with some work and some TLC.
If I were you, I might think about re barreling it with a 26 to 30 inch barrel, maybe octagon to round. Also think about making a take-down out of it. If so you extend the magazine at the rear so the for-end hides the joint.
If the wood is good I'd re-shape it more to the way Marlin did their rifles in the 1890s and you can do the same with the lever.
You can turn that $150 rifle into a $1500 rifle with some work and some TLC.