I have a 450 Marlin Ultra, which is a very good shooter. Like you, I knew
about one that had been on the rack for a long time & I caught the Dealer
in a trading mood. I traded some 7.62x39 ammo that I did not like and
a little cash & got a great deal! My gun has a steel rod in the butt for
reduced recoil. I will probably remove it, but I have not as yet. I use a
slip on pad so I am not immune to recoil, but the rod huirts the gun's
balance. Set the gun up properly & recoil will be manageable.