Chance
The ported models were brought out to tame recoil, but the downside is the noise to ones ears.... the shooters and anyone that is around you when shooting. After several years of production Marlin disconiued to porting due to a lawsuite by several owners, then offering a barrel switchout to non-ported barrels. Some still like the ported barrels many others thank Marlin for the non-ported barrels.
I found mine for $399.00 pre owned in 99% and love the non-ported barrel. If you get this ported one, you may discover the uncomforting ear sound produced. Wear the best ear protection you can afford when shooting it.
The ported models were brought out to tame recoil, but the downside is the noise to ones ears.... the shooters and anyone that is around you when shooting. After several years of production Marlin disconiued to porting due to a lawsuite by several owners, then offering a barrel switchout to non-ported barrels. Some still like the ported barrels many others thank Marlin for the non-ported barrels.
I found mine for $399.00 pre owned in 99% and love the non-ported barrel. If you get this ported one, you may discover the uncomforting ear sound produced. Wear the best ear protection you can afford when shooting it.