I put a few bucks down to hold a 1894P, 44mag/ported, 16.5"
that is new but been in the shop for a few years. Needless to say "I like it". The shop is asking $475, good deal or no deal?

I just checked GunsAmerica and found two 1894PG's listed, both used but 95+% condition, both with scopes, one at 345.00 the other for 449.00. you have to calculate in freight and transfer fees, but the one for 345 sheckels is a pretty good price.

Here's links to the two guns:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976765962.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976724310.htm

Those 1894PG's are great little guns. When it comes to the porting it does work! People either hate it or love it, but few without an opinion on the subject. Cheif complaints come from increased perceived noise factor.

As for me, I've been shooting ported Marlin rifles since they became available, and I'm sold on them... too bad they are discontinued. When shooting from the bench or range I'm always muffed and plugged, so the noise is a non-issue anyhow, and in the field I've never had any issue with the noise when firing on game, and not had any residual ringing in the ears etc.

Good luck on your new shooting stick!

God bless,