Picked up a 2000 vintage ported guide gun at a recent gun show. Going to turn it into a Scout, so the Leupold scout scope is in my future.

Any base recommendations, or any advice at all appreciated. Gun came with a receiver mounted ghost ring sight.

Thanks in advance!

At one time, I was going to set up my 444 Marlin for a scout scope, but decided not to. I still have the XS Lever Scout Mount. On the package it states it fits the Marlin 1895 .45-70, .450 Marlin and the .444 Marlin. If you're interested, I'd sell it for $25 + shipping. That's half the price of new: MidwayUSA - XS Scout Scope Mount

Somewhere, I should also have some Burris Signature Zee-rings (Weaver style) to go with it. I'd have to scrounge around and see if I can find them. I'd also let those go for half price too.

Anyways, whether your interested or not, check out XSsights.com. That may be the same brand as the ghost ring on your guide gun.

This gives you the option of going conventional, scout or ghost ring sight with some QR rings. Tempting.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/99...in-1895-with-round-barrel-aluminum-black

http://www.ebay.com/itm/162109812555?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I recommend you chop the porting.

I have not measured mine, but would that leave you with a legal non NFA gun?

I used one of these on my early guide guns. It stilled allowed for my Lyman receiver sight to fit.

If you change your mind and go with a receiver mount scope the Leupold Shotgun scope works perfect with this gun. I think it is a 4-9x.

You have 2.5" to work with on the guide, porting only goes back 2 it will be close, I'd personally cut it at the last port and then file it till the hole is about gone and then face/ crown it from there.

If you are good you can probably get iit to finish at 16 3/8"

So in short, measure 3 times, cut once, file/ chamfer/ face your way to the end :]

XS rail and Weaver mounts. Scout scope makes it a handy rig.

I cut my ports off and ended up at 16.25" Best thing I ever did to that rifle.

I'm curious what improved from removing the porting besides throwing the noise more forward?

Less flames at night when hog hunting to jackk up your night vision....

And you can hear out of your left ear (assuming you are a righty).

SO YOU ARE GOING TO SHOOT A 45-70 WITH A 16 INCH BARREL???? SAY WHAT>>>>>>

Have several Marlins, 444P (ported), 1895GS (ported), and 444S (non-ported).

I have not fired them side by side to see the differences in noise. I'm sure off to the side, and under a shooting shelter the ports are going to be much louder.

I've read many reports of owners that have both ported and non-ported guns that have shot them side by side and say the noise difference in the shooting position is not really noticeable. Some people really prefer the porting, others really dislike it.

It reduces muzzle jump for faster follow up shots. There's a video comparison on youtube that shows both ported and non-ported muzzle jump on the same guide gun. The visible difference surprised me. Reduced muzzle flip by ballpark 50%?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLlbcW-VxSI

Speaking of the ported Marlins, I prefer them when shooting a 18.5" barrel. I have had both a 45/70 and 444 ported. I also owned a non ported 45/70 too. I didn't find the ports on the Marlins to make the rifle noticeably louder. I have never tried to shoot anything at night so I can not comment on that part.

All that said, I hate ported rifles. I have shot only a few because I dislike them. For whatever reason and I don't understand it, the ported Marlins do not seem to have the same amplified volume as other ported rifles I have experienced.

Pressure, especially in the .45-70, is low compared to a typical centerfire rifle, and I believe that contributes to that effect.

I would state: the Ported Guide Gun is the devils spawn. And yes 16" unported is less noisy than an 18.5" ported. It has something to do with jets of gas coming out of the last two inches, 16" from your ear. I am speaking of shooting it in the woods, not on the bench with muffs.

Got the XS full rail on mine with the ghost site. Have a 2.5x28 Leupold Scout Scope on it. At the range, I was plunking clay pigeons on the birm at 100 yards with factory Winchester 300 grain ammo. Love my Stainless Guide Gun!