I just 'settled' for a very nice and apparently unfired 1895 SS, 22" polished blue rifle with a pretty uncheckered walnut stock set. It is not exactly what I wanted but too nice to pass up. I really like the short barrel Guide gun style better than the rifle length, but do like the pistol grip better than the straight stock.
Is it 'wrong' for me to shorten the barrel to 18" on this one or should I try to trade it for what I really want? I think mine may be worth what a new stainless guide gun is worth and certainly more than a Remlin blue carbine
Any advice or thoughts from you experts? This is my 1st Marlin 45-70.

First..what I would not do.......is sell/trade and buy a new

RemLin 45-70...IF you chop your SS 45-70...you'll have the rifle

you want...although its now 'chopped' and not original..your first

45-70 ? you'd better shoot it first and really see if this is your

cup of tea..these things are thumpers on both ends....then check

around for a professional chop job....this Marlin is worth the

professional job...its a 'good one'..Gun Broker link is a similar

one...on the low side if $600 would win bid...I am not an expert...

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/621223971

Thanks Tikkaput. My 1st Marlin but not 1st 45-70. I load some nice light loads for a single shot CVA and it's great fun to shoot.
I'm going to take your advice and spend some time with it as is before modifying it or trading. Action is so smooth even though it has not been cycled much with no wear on the hammer or bolt, almost like my Tikkas....Definitely a huge difference from all the Remlins in the shop new or used. I paid 625, same as a new built one, and was happy. Doubt that I would lose much even if I pay 50 to have it cut and tapped.

I'd bet it would be more than $50 to chop it...

Trail Boss powder works well........14-15 gr with a cast 350 gr

mouse fart loads....no one wants to shoot full nuts loads all the

time....learn how to pull action down...clean/polish the innards

i'd chop it. to get a short barrel 45/70 with a pistol grip you would have to find a davidsons special 1895 sdg and those are very pricey.

The more I handle it, the less inclined to cut it. It's only 40" long, just and inch more than a 742 carbine and 1.5 shorter than my Tikka T3 .270. It just points and hangs so nice with a scope. The Guide guns look really sharp but practical advantages are minimal so I am talking myself out of it...if weight is the issue I'll just load it with 325 grain instead of 405 grain or only load 3 in the magazine.