I picked up an 1895 in .450 Marlin several years back - even though it was a JM I did a little research over on Marlin Owners forum and tore it down to check it out but mainly for grins and to get familiar with it. I installed a WWG trigger, ejector spring and aluminum mag follower. IIRC it wasn't too complicated to take apart and put back together, but I wasn't doing any gunsmith type work like slicking up the action. Hella fun to shoot.
I also would like to hear a range report on the Dark Series, especially with a can. Would shooting subs be a viable option for hog-killin' and such? I've got a .45 Obsidian I've only used with pistols, never crossed my mind that it would handle 45-70 stuff too.