Ported Guide Guns?

[BlackHat]

Somewhere along the way, I musta missed something. Seems to me I remember the Marlin 45-70 GG had a ported barrel originally. I figured someday I'd get a round to buying me one, and the time is getting nearer. But, it looks like the barrels are no longer ported. When did that happen?
Or, more importantly, I guess, should I care whether the barrel is ported or not? I'm not overly sensitive to recoil, normally, but I was kind of thinking the porting might help a bit. Seems to me I have heard some fellers say that the Guide Gun is great when you have a cold, since it tends to knock the snot right outa ya'.
We don't have many Kodiak bears here in PA, so I'm not looking to shoot real hot loads. I figure I can find some comfortable loads for plinking and deer, and I'm not sure I like the sound effects of the porting anyway.
But, just kinda curious about when Marlin changed their thinking.
Thank ye' kindly,
BlackHat

[markc]

Marlin dropped the porting on both the GG and the .444.  I think the 2003 models will not have porting, and all I hear is rumor, but that it was due to customer complaints.  I have a .444P and love the ports.  You can still find and possibly order a ported GG,  but they apparently will not be offered as ported in the future.
markc :-)

[DLH]

I just got one with ports new in the box.   lots of them on the gun traders sites :-D  :-D

[Dragoon]

On the subject...

Did Marlin drop the .444p? I did not see it at all on their site anymore. I have the 1895GS and I wanted to get a .444P to match. Now the only .444 that I see listed has a 22" barrel. Call me crazy but I like my Guide Gun and wanted to get an Outfitter to make a matching set!  :-D

If they quit making them I'll try to find one that is leftover in someones stock from last year I guess but can anyone confirm if they quit making this model?

Thank you,
Dragoon

[charlessala]

:?

What about the noise

I bought a Winchester 94 AE 444 guide gun with ported barrel. I really, really like it. I bought it for the guns size and feel. The accuracy at 150 yard is very good but the noise from the short barrel muzzle blast is a real problem for me. I wonder if others have experienced the same. My hearing is compromised a bit from my work and age so I am not particularly sensitive to noise. This gun makes me go deaf and hurts my ear drums. I have made shots in open fields while hunting. The excitement of the moment should have numbed my sensitivity to something like noise but it didn’t. It is hard to ignore the ringing and what feels like someone slapping or clapping you left ear.

[southern utah]

I just traded my 1895  450 ported for a 450m non ported with 22 inch barrel.  Couldn't take the noise. The 450m is a lot better. Got to keep what hearing i have left.

[Old Syko]

Dragoon, Yes Marlin did drop the 444P.  The one I have now I like so much I'll be picking up another on Saturday to give my son.  I think everyone should have one, ports and all.  I'll never understand the big deal with the ports as I protect my hearing at the bench, hunting or where ever.  If you don't, don't blame the gun or it's design for your hearing loss.