I've read that the velocity difference between a Marlin 1895 Guide Gun (18" barrel) and the standard 1895 (22" barrel) is approximately 100 fps. In this caliber, is this significant? I'm thinking of using this for hogs and black bear.

Thank you,
Scott

I prefered the 22" bbl. have the 1895MR in .450 and found it significantly better fot a fast 2nd shot. much less muzzle jump over the guide guns.

Scott.
The load I use in my 45-70 chronies at 1950fps out of my Guide Gun. The same load in the manual claims 1970fps from a test bbl of 24", so you can see the velocity drop over the 6" difference is insignificant (in my gun anyway).

Most people don't load these things to max, so if it were to shoot a little slower in your particular gun a touch more powder will fix that problem. The GS looks and handles great and is super accurate.....gets my vote for No 1.

P.S The extra muzzle jump makes you look tougher at the range.

Cheers
Boof...

I HAVE a load for a hardcast 550gr that moves out of my 18" 45/70 shorty at 1580fps.
after that everything else is relative.