Legally, only the receiving party needs to go through an FFL in their state.
Whether you ship direct yourself, or have a NJ FFL ship it, is up to the receiving FFL’s policy. Either way is OK legally - But, some FFLs will not accept guns shipped from private owners - they will only accept out of state guns if shipped from an FFL.
Late 70's (I think) JM stamped Marlin 30/30. Picked it up for a very good price in 2016. It regularly drops deep not far from where I shot them. It came with a cheap scope and it's worked every time I go into the field with it. If it ain't broken, don't fix it!
Honestly it's probably one of my favorite firearms
I would recommend the Burris rt6 or PA, over this all day everyday. the SE is not good glass, often with ocular distortion on the edges, max mag has issues, not a true 1x, smaller eyebox and relief isn't as good
also, 1-6x is the sweetspot
would recommend the PA or RT6, both can be had in new condition for around 250 on the various sites, reddit etc..