AC,



I've got the Marlin GG in .450 with the ported 18.5" bbl...



I don't find the blast from the porting to be that big a deal personally, but maybe that's just me. On the range I wear muffs, but while in the field with firing just a shot or two I dont even notice it at all.



I like the ghost ring sights (mine are XS sights) on such a carbine personally. They're rugged and quick on target. But some people's eyes just don't work well with them, it all depends on you and your eyes I'd say. Recoil? About like an 870 with a high base shell in it? Really not that bad if you ask me. I really like the .450 round and the lever action carbine it's packaged in. Don't have any personal experience with the Winchester in particular, but I'm sure it's just a matter of taste as far as what you want to launch the bullet out of.



NOTE: On a public firing range with tables lined up side by side your neighboring shooters WILL FIND THE PORTING A BIT MUCH. It's a problem on the range only I'd say...

I handled one at gander mountain as well as the browning blr. I think it will be an event when you touch one off. It is light. Seems a lot lighter than my marlin 45-70 (regular rifle).