Lloyd-
I looked at one of these in a local shop a couple of weeks ago. Sure was short, handy, and lite as a feather. Recoil might be interesting. The price tag of $639.00 convinced me it was not for me and that I should hold out for an unported 1895GS which is about $200 less in my area.
Please update your post as I would be interested to know how that "carbine" shoots, especially the recoil :!:
By the way, I was through your home town 3 years ago on the way to western Ontario for a Moose hunt. Munising really impressed me, beautiful area.
Good luck with your new Marlin, I'm sure you'll love it :-)