I do like the marlin's but I like the 92 and 94 the best.
The plan is to have a small carbine that is so light that it gets packed every where and has a 12 inch barrel small and light is what i am after
Then why not a T/D Model 92 Trapper? The extra 4" in length shouldn't make a difference, and it will be far more portable when taken down. Not to mention the quality is probably a few notches higher with the Winchester.