What To Buy?

[ALPINE]

I have a Marlin Stainless on order at a local gun shop.  Today this shop called to see if I would like to change my order to a Marlin 1895 (It's blued with a 22 inch barrel )  instead of waiting a couple of months for the stainless model to come in.  I called around to some other shops but they are all waiting for Marlins too.  I would like to know if there was any more advantages to the 22 inch over the 18 inch barrel?  Is there a difference between ported and non ported barrels for shooting the 45-70.  Most shooting is up to 200 yards.  Should I wait or buy now?   I also posted these questions on Lever Action Rifles :-)

[Lawdog]

I would like to know if there was any more advantages to the 22 inch over the 18 inch barrel?  Is there a difference between ported and non ported barrels for shooting the 45-70.  Most shooting is up to 200 yards.  Should I wait or buy now?   I also posted these questions on Lever Action Rifles :-)

The advantages of a 22” barrel over one 18” in length are slightly higher velocities(100 - 150 fps.), less muzzle blast/jump and slightly less recoil due to the added 8 oz. of weight.  You do know that Marlin no longer offers ported barrels on their Guide Guns? Personally I wouldn’t wait.  Get the 22” 1895 and don’t worry about the 4 extra inches of barrel as I have found the it doesn’t really make that much difference in heavy brush/timber conditions anyway.  Lawdog
 

[Redhawk1]

Have to agree with Lawdog, get the 22 inch. Plus the Blue guns look better in my opinion. The 18.5 inch ported barrels are extremely loud and in my opinion not needed.  

[mr.frosty]

yup what they said get the 1895 with the 22 inch and dont look back
your hearing doc will be happy too

[Dana C]

I read on Buffalo Bores web site the deduction in velocity in a Guide gun vs. a 22" barrel is only 50fps.  When a 400gr. projectile hits something, it usually drops it as you know.

[oso45-70]

ALPINE,

I don't think you can go wrong with the cow boy, In fact i doubt you can tell the difference between the two. I have four 45-70s Ruger #1 and the cow bow plus two GGs ane stainless and the other Blue and i can't tell much difference in the four i have. I woulden't take for my Marlins.
...............Joe.........