Hi Jeff,
Just joined the site and found your question; I have the ported marlin in 444 and my father-in-law has 2 ported s/s 45-70 marlins. After shoting both one after another, I would go with the 45-70 with ghost rings. The 45-70 almost seems quiter and more "push" then punch (like the 444).
Also, check out the shooting edge for the ghost rings;thats were i got mine,good luck!