I've decided to give in and get an 1895 model chambered in .45-70. So the choices are between the SS model with the 22-inch barrel or the Guide gun with the 18.5-inch barrel. Obviously the Guide Gun is slightly handier and has porting to help tame the muzzle rise. But what does chopping 3.5 inches off of the barrel do to the ballistics of the .45-70? Is the efect significant?