Looks like I am getting one of these for xmas. I do all of my deer hunting in the hills of eastern kentucky. There is lots of brush and hill terrain to deal with. I have been told that there is no better brush gun. I have been wanting one of these for some time now. My questions are: Do I get the 1895 classic or the 1895G? What is the difference in ported or not ported? I would like to shoot the new hornady rounds with extended range. I am I correct in saying that you do not have to have a xlr to shoot the round? Thanks for the help. A 450 is not out of the picture.

I don't know much about the 45-70 but I do know about the leverevolution ammo, and no you don't need the xlr to shoot it. I shot it out of my Marlin 30-30 last year and it did great. It really gave me a great impression about Hornady. I took three deer with it.

I myself am going to get the 1895 classic. But thats dual purpose. I'm gonna use it for long range shooting in CAS and one day I hope to use it for big game. You are right, kick or no, it is suppose to be the best brush gun.

Either one will be a great gun. I have the 1895M in .450 with a ported barrel and it is loud. I don't know the difference between the recoil on the ported or non-ported ones. On mine everybody complains about the recoil though they all want to shoot it as well when we are going hog hunting.With either the standard Hornady rounds or the levervolution rounds it shoots great. We haven't had anything walk away yet we shot with it.

The only rifle that is better than the 1895 Marlin is the 1886 Winchester. I prefer the Winchester, but I shoot mine with open sights. If you are going to go with a scope then buy the Marlin. I have several Marlin's and they are nice, but my go to is still the 1886 Winchester. Tom.

I would get the guide gun for 2 reasons. #1 is the fact that the shorter barrel will be a lot handier and easy to get around in cover with. #2 is the factory porting will dramatically reduce felt recoil which leads to better shooting. P S where in eastern ky are you? I just got back from harlan co hunting trip.

DBNF. I don't think you can get a new ported one can you?

I have 1895G and the 1895 with a 22" barrel and they shoot like a dream. The 1895 has a little more capability for longer shots but not a huge difference. You can use Leverevolution ammo in any levergun, it doesn't have to be an XLR. I also have the 1895M in .450 and if I had to choose between the .450 or the 45-70, I would pick the 45-70. Better ballistics, a little cheaper ammo and a better grain selection. My choise of all my Marlins would be my 1895G. I have taken deer, bear (including grizz) and has never faultered. If you live where the woods are thick and tough going, go with the 1895G, You won't be sorry.

The guide guns are factory ported and come in 18.5" barrels which far outweigh advantages of longer barrel.

I have the guide gun and really like it. The porting isnt that much loader and if you step up to full house loads (Buffalo Bore or Garrett) the porting helps with recoil. For most of my hunting I have been using Winchester 300 grain partian gold. I have not noticed recoil or it being to loud. They are very accurate and really put em down. The gun holds inside of 2 inches off the bench at 150 yards. The shorter gun handles and points like a dream. I would say go with the guide gun.