Which to Buy - Revisited.

[Bug]

Just got through reading the other post. It was great! I wish to throw in a couple more choices, and get some more input.
 I have been looking for something with a big hole in the end of the barrel for a while - just one of those "I Wanna" things. Due to an interesting trade, I find myself able to choose which Marlin in 45-70.
 I am leaning toward the GS, but the Cowboy sure is pretty! Do you think the longer bbl of the Cowboy or Classic adds enough practical velocity to be significant - as far as hunting/reloading goes?
 I like the idea of the stainless gun, and its resistance to rust and corrosion, and the fact that it is listed a full pound lighter than the Cowboy (I know this isn't absolute).
Y'all give me some experience/opinions! Pleeese!

[oso45-70]

Hello Bug,
I have all three and don't think you could go wrong with any one of the bunch. I have the blue guide gun with the porting ( noisy ) but shoots good. I have the ss guide gun with peep sights and a hi vizz front great little gun. also the marlin Cow Boy. My favorite is the GS Guide gun. I find that all the marlin 1895s are great little guns. I have other 45-70s but i like the marlin SS guide gun the best.  ( Try It You Will Like It )
Good luck on your quest for a gun..Marlin that is........Joe........

[snowdog]

I have shot the 45/70 guide gun,  I own the  45/70 cowboy,  Maybe
   its just the way I hold the rifle.   but that extra  half foot in length
   really makes a difference.  I guess the sight radius of the cowboy
   really means something to my eyes.   The cowboy shoots so much
   better than the guide gun I shot.    I use 405 grn Rems,  350 Hornady,
   400 grn Speer,  and  300 HP  from Hornady.  they all shood well
   thru the cowboy... the 350  is overall better thru my gun I think.

       ya the Coyboy is longer,  but I guess I am used to it.  at least
   I never got stuck in a snag with it out in the woods.