UG, you make good points as usual. (Thanks also for your thoughts on my decision process on the .30/30 in another thread, especially your convictions about the importance of fit ... with which I agree 100%...more there soon....)
I think your ideas here about pistol caliber carbines are very reasonable. Indeed, if I weren't so far down my handgun path already, I'd probably go that route. But at this point, since I'm not shooting any handgun rounds that would make good carbine rnds, too, trying to switch over would be too much right now.
I think I'm just going to stay with the handguns I've got (and am getting to know well) and go with a carbine in a rifle caliber.
.30/30 of course has my main attention right now, but several discussions that I'm watching/participating in elsewhere on .45/70 suddenly has my attention. I'm especially fond of the 1895G with that 18.5" carbine barrel.
Am I correct that there are loads for that caliber ranging from 400gr heavy hitters
to "cowboy rounds" { = 170 - 180???).
If so, I guess that could make a good defensive Marlin, though honestly, I'm thinking: A) I don't really want to put myself through that recoil experience with heavy rounds; & B) for what I need, right now (given that my 12 g is my main defensive long gun), that .30/30 seems pretty realistic ... and inexpensive.
Hmm. I'm going to go eat some fish & chips while I ponder this some more...
Nem