I am considering getting a Marlin 1895 series. I will be hunting in Easteren Pennsylvania and upstate New York. I was just wondering what everyone would recommend. The regular rifle or Guide Gun? It will be used on deer mostly andthe occasional bear. Any input will be appreciated regarding accuracy, recoil, etc. thanx.

Either will do the job. I prefer the the shorter guide gun for woods use.

I have both, a 1895 ss in 45/70 and 1895m in 450.. Both are nice but the shorter is handier ..

Where are you in PA? I live in SE and hunt in NE and have an 1895SS in 45-70.

I live in NY but want to hunt PA and NY.

I thought the Guide Gun comes in .444 Marlin, not 45-70.

I personally have never dealt with these cartridges, but I know two people who own the .444 Marlin Guide Gun, and they love it, especially for black bear, and hogs.

I am drawn to the stainless Marlin Guide Gun. I missed a "deal" on one at a local pawn shop a few months ago, but I won't drag my feet again.

I bought the 1895 in .45-70. I handled both and I did not feel that the extra 3" affected how fast I shouldered it. I like the curved grip on the 1895 much better than the straight grip on the guide gun. I also wanted the longer barrel to help with the 100-150 yard shots that I sometimes get. I had talked to some guys that had the early guide guns with the ported barrels and they complained of the noise. I do not believe they are ported anymore.

I think either will work fine, I just prefer the curved grip and longer barrel.