redhat,I shoot a 1895ss [1985 mfg. sporter with crossbolt safety]I enjoy it immensely, if you go with full house loads ,I predict pain unless you use a past pad or don't mind,I cranked fifty heavy loads through mine one morning and that afternoon I bought a past pad!But, That said, you can also get cheap lead cowboy loads and shoot all day without a care too.if you reload the options are endless and you won't be sorry you bought a Marlin ever!Leverdude hows it going? Glad too see a familiar name here.shootrj2003