Bigcountry,
The Limbsaver recoil pad for the 444 will NOT fit the 1895 in .45-70. I bought one to find out myself. The height is about right but it is too narrow and the screw holes don't line up. Guess I will try it on my 870.
Don't give up on your Marlin. I took mine to the range last Friday and tried a variety of ammo. The Remington 405's and 300's were OK out to 50 yards. They really spread out at 100. The Winchester 300 HP were better. Got about a 2" group at 100 with them. But the Winchester Supreme 300 PG were the poop! I included a pic of my best 100 yard group on the left. The group on the right was before my final scope adjustment which is why it was high. It figures that my rifle likes the most expensive ammo available. Rumor is that Winchester is going to discontinue it also. Guess it's time to give in and buy some reloading equipment.
Put a scope on yours and see how you do. The only time I wouldn't have a scope on a rifle is if I was hunting dangerous game and needed something really fast pointing. I don't shoot at running animals so I don't see a reason not to use a nice scope to make sure I get a good, clean shot. I have the Bushnell, Dusk to Dawn 3x9 with the 6" of eye relief. I would have liked less magnification but it was laying around doing nothing so I put it on. It is mounted far enough forward that I never thought about it hitting my brow.
Good luck and keep us posted.