Marlin 1895 SBL

TFunfer

TFunfer

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I just read a write up on Marlin's new 1895 SBL Guide Gun. It basicly has all of the mods already installed at the factory that I was planning to install on my current Guide Gun. But I like the pistol grip better on the SBL.

Any idea if any of these are in Canada yet or is this rifle still too new? Curious as to the price as well as I see the regular stainless guide guns at Epps are over $900.

Here is a link to the Shooting Times article:

http://www.shootingtimes.com/longgun_reviews/ST_model1895SBL_200903/index.html
 
I was involved with the group that was asked for their thoughts on what options should be used on this rifle, other than I prefer the straight grip I believe this is as close to perfect as they could make...
 
other then the goofy rail and extended tube, it looks like a nice "guide" rifle.

the large lever loop was a major improvement (retrofit) on mine. big fan. if I didn't already own one I'd be buying the SBL (and ripping the rail off).


they still haven't taken off that stupid xbolt safety I see...
 
To me the extended mag tube and the lever loop are fantastic additions I agree with Amph the rail is ugly but it is functional and you can't beat an XS Ghost Ring sight for fast accurate shooting.

All of the aftermarket loops are to big and ugly for me so I never changed over and I haven't had the time to cut and weld my lever so it is still stock.

I used to be on the Marlin forum before it was shut down and was contacted by email from a few of the guys tied in with Marlin and Paco Kelly for my thoughts.

After all of the discussions those of us involved were sent a pic of this completed gun which was about 1 year ago now.
 
Large loops look great on TV but really have little practical use. Many would argue they are slower to cycle then a standard lever.
But I guess John Wayne was Kool so what the heck.

I also prefer the half tube on the standard Guide models....reminded me of the SC's.... the full length tube looks outta place on the Guide gun platform.

And that scout rail isn't really my bag either.....

:nest:

If they'd have just offered the XS sights on a standard Guide Rifle then they'd have had something special :D ;)
 
BCWILL said:
Large loops look great on TV but really have little practical use. Many would argue they are slower to cycle then a standard lever.
;)
Click to expand...

I like being able to cycle my lever while wearing gloves :) but then again, my Guide Gun is a Guide's gun, a working rifle, not a range toy ;)

couldn't do this with the stock loop....

marlin%20loop%20and%20glove.JPG
 
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If you've ever shot a dead stock guide gun with heavy handloads you'll quickly realize the other benefit of the large loop lever. Saves beaucoup on band aids for the skinned and bruised knuckles. The flinching that results of this is quite spectacular to say the least.
I have the DRC large loop lever on mine, much smaller than the Wild West one. The new Marlins one looks to be somewhat in between these two.

Cheers,

Ricky
 
Ugliest looking gun I've seen in some time! Stock: "Laminated black and grey WOOD. Yuck.
Spoiled the neat look of the former tubular magazine, by extending it , to accomidate one more lousy shot!
OK, so the rail can be taken off.
I, like most shooters that grew up in the era I did, take great pride in my rifle(s). What is more pleasing, more traditional, more Canadiana and just as useful in any way, than fine oil finished walnut, along with blued metal?
Oops, that brought them out of the woodwork, my remark of walnut being as useful as laminated. I''ll hear how the traditional walnut stock might have been out in the rain, then that often talked about but rarely seen, ferocious bear comes charging out of the thickets and that old fashioned, rain soaked rifle stock may actually send the bullet as much as ½ inch off the intended striking point, at the critical range of twenty five yards.
My remarks above are hear say, because I have never experienced a well cared for, oiled walnut stock, to change point of impact after being rained on. However, I have had considerable experience in carrying such rifles while they got thoroughly soaked in rain, in open alpine country, the alder infested north side access to said mountains, or just in the plain, monotonous green forests.
 
H4831 said:
Oops, that brought them out of the woodwork, my remark of walnut being as useful as laminated. .
Click to expand...

I can see why some would shy away from a walnut one piece stock for fear of the wood moving and potentially changing POI. But that is just plain impossible on a two piece stock lever gun. Marlin is clearly banking on the 'kool' factor of the pepper laminate. Which I personally don't get.

If I was the head designer at Marlin :D I would have gone with pistol grip walnut stock and no scope rail.
 
Okay, it's unanimous then, ditch the silly rail, make a walnut stock for Bruce, and you got a winner here, gunmakers are finally listening to buyers(except for the rail)!!
 
RangerRick said:
If you've ever shot a dead stock guide gun with heavy handloads you'll quickly realize the other benefit of the large loop lever. Saves beaucoup on band aids for the skinned and bruised knuckles. The flinching that results of this is quite spectacular to say the least.
I have the DRC large loop lever on mine, much smaller than the Wild West one. The new Marlins one looks to be somewhat in between these two.

Cheers,

Ricky
Click to expand...

Where did you get the loop?

Thanks,

Cam
 
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