I've never shot an 1886, how do they compare to Marlin .45-70s in terms of recoil? I use a slip on recoil pad for the 1895 due to the steel butt plate.
The 1886 is heavy 9-10 pounds, and even with an old steel butt plate that takes care of a lot of the punch. I have a Marlin 1895 also which is a lighter gun all around by comparison, you can tell the difference with the same ammo. Worst of all is the Marlin 444, very light and short. You pay attention to eye relief with that one, but it's easy to carry around.