45-70 Cal. & Marling 1895GS Rifles

I am considering picking up a Marlin 1895 GS carbine in cal. 45-70 for a general safety firearm to carry in my truck, 4x4, 4-wheeler, etc.

I'm looking for a fairly agile rifle that is durable, hence the stainless steel version. It will serve as a ranch rifle, though at times I am in some pretty remote areas as well. I want absolute stopping power without question, serious bullet mass, and face, and the number of rounds is not too much of a consideration since I expect a first shot hit or in the alternative, a deterrent.

Several issues have come up, including the muzzle brake barrel that was initially available, but apparently has been abandoned by Marlin. Of course I'd like to find one so equipped, but that may not be the case. I'm a big bore and magnum shooter, mostly .338 Win. Mag. and .416 Rigby &/or .416 Rem so I'm not a stranger to recoil though I don't seek out the most uncomfortable guns I know of to shoot.

I've also looked a .444 Marlin and .450 Marlin cal. rifles but they aren't available in the short carbine barrel length, nor in in stainless steel.

I'm interested in the consensus of the group, and some discussion of these issues.

Dr. S

I have a Marlin 1895 G, "guide gun" in 45-70. Mine is the ported model. Recoil is mild by my standards, more stout than the .30-30 of course but very easy to handle and shoot. The porting tones the recoil down a bit, but if you shoot .416 and the such, the porting wont make much of a difference. My only complaint is that the porting gives your ears a good blasting. I don't think you could go wrong with that lever gun in your truck, it will stop anything short or military armor!
Tannardog