Not knocking the SBL or Guide Guns...
Just stating a bit of experience,
The 22 inch barreled 1895's balance and "feel" much better than the short barrels (SBL, Guide Gun)...not to mention the difference in muzzle blast (ported or not) and flash with hot loads.
Usually I'm the guy saying barrels are too long...but in the case of the 45-70 I like them a bit long. 22" is perfect, the gun is still short enough to handle great...but not so short as to increase blast and flash.
The difference in ballistics of 18.5" and 22" barrels is very little...its the handling that I feel is better with the 22" barrel models.
SBL's are high...and for those that don't know...There is a special run of SBL types, without the large loop lever. They are a Davidsons Special...1895 SDG.
Specs:
BRAND: Marlin # OF MAGS:
MODEL: 1895 Guide Gun Type Limited 1 of 501 SAFETY: Hammer Block Safety
TYPE: Rifle SIGHTS: Hi-Viz Front And Rear
CALIBER: 45-70 BARREL LENGTH: 18.5"
FINISH: Stainless Steel OVERALL LENGTH: 37"
ACTION: Lever Action WEIGHT: 7 lbs
STOCK: Black/Gray Laminated & Pistol Grip Stock PACKAGING: Cardboard Box, Cable Lock
CAPACITY: 4+1 FEATURES: Davidson's Exclusive, Limited Edition 1 of 501
CHOKES: FEATURES: Special S/N #95SDG000-500
CHAMBER: BUTT PLATE: Deluxe Recoil Pad
MUZZLE: RECEIVER: Stainless Steel, Drilled and Tapped
Price: Around $800