I even do that with my smokers. Especially when I load up 300gr or more bullets. Big Uncle, not many use a standing bench these days. It's nice to see someone other than me uses one. I've never been that recoil shy but I do like to reduce the soreness factor after an extended range session with some of my heavy hitters.
Mr. Bronkoski, do you use palm up with all fingers on forearm or do you use palm down with the rifle between thumb and forefinger? With my thinner profile forearms on most of my smokers I tend to use the latter. I seem to get better control that way. With that Marlin you may find the same if you haven't tried it already.