About a month ago, we started with The Sweet Sixteen of Whitetail Brush Rifles —a March Madness-style tourney to decide the top deer gun in the thick woods. In four rounds of head-to-head matchups, you voted the great Savage 99 out in the Elite Eight and sent the North Woods staple Remington 7600 packing in the Final Four . So it came down to the top seeds: Winchester 94 vs. Marlin 336 .

And now, with more than 800 votes cast in the final matchup, it is all over—and it wasn’t even that close. While I admit I was rooting for the 94, my sentimental choice, I’m not surprised the 336 came out on top. I am mildly shocked, however, that it trounced the venerable 94, which got only about 40 percent of the vote.

I get the advantages of the 336, that the solid-top, side-eject receiver accepts a low, center-mounted scope (unlike all 94s prior to 1982 when angle-ejection became standard). I realize that the Marlin’s action is considered stronger, with a more positive feel (whereas the Winchester has some slop and rattle). But, even forgetting the 94’s traditional reputation as the American deer rifle, its light weight (6-1/4 pounds compared to the 336’s 7); its straight, slender wrist and trim receiver that snugs between just a thumb and forefinger; its waifish frame and graceful lines altogether make the 94 the nimblest, finest-looking little brush gun ever made.

The 94 is Kate Moss. The 336 ain’t bad looking, but she has man hands.

None of this is to say the 336 isn’t a deserving winner. I have one in .35 Rem with a 2x scope that I take over the 94 whenever I leave the low, evergreen thickets for the mixed ridges. Overall, it may well be the best practical choice. I just figured the 94’s mystique, looks, and handiness would make this a much closer contest. Anyway, to all you Savage 99 fans (myself included), take heart; it will get another chance in the All-Purpose Whitetail Rifle tourney to come. Meanwhile, all hail the 336—Whitetail Brush Rifle Champ.