Lightweight .30-06 vs Marlin Guide Gun .45-70

P

philthygeezer

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
200   0   0
Location
Canada
So for an all-purpose hunting and bush-wacking carry rifle, what would you pick? Both will be stainless. The '06 would sport a synthetic stock and a 1.5-5X scope, 180-220 grain ammo. The Marlin would have XS peeps and leverevolution ammo.
Both would weigh about the same.

What would you choose and why?
 
I would purchase a Marlin in 45-70,cuz I already have the stainless 30.06 :) Its a Savage FCSS and I really like it. Cant beat a 30.06 for availability of ammo and it has a wide range of grain of bullet. The 06 is a better longer range calibre if you get into a clearing as was mentioned earlier. If I was pushing deer in thick brush the Marlin would be my 1st choice
 
I have both. For hunting I prefer the 30-06 as it gives me more range. When the bush is thick or if it's raining (when does it not rain in BC?) I take the 1895GS (with a 2.5x scope).

Get both.
 
IMHO, the .45-70 is a great short range and bush gun. I have one built on a Siamese mauser that I load with 405gr Woodleigh Weldcores at 2080fps. It works good, but due to it's trajectory, it's not the best all around cartridge.

I recently purchased a stainless Ruger Hawkeye .30-06 to use as my all around backup (and sometimes primary) gun because I think the good old .30-06 is still the best, one gun does it all, cartridge.

So, if I had to choose just one, I would get the .30-06 and load it with 180gr TSX's. You would then be ready for any game animal in NA, except maybe the big bears, at any reasonable range.
 
I'd hate to say it, but another good option would be a combination gun in 12 gauge over 30-06. Then you have the best of both worlds: close-in heavy hitting with a magnum slug or 00 buck, long range with 30-06, and you can even carry some birdshot for those chance encounters.

But if you have to go with just one calibre, 30-06 is about as versatile as it gets!
 
I was in your shoes a little while ago. I was going to either purchase the marlin guide in 45-70 or or a bolt gun in 30-06.

The first thing I did was compare the factory ballistics of the 45-70 to the 30-06. A 180 grain in 30-06 had better overall ballistics then the 45-70 (muzzle energy AND down range 100 and 200 yards). The 30-06 ammo can be found in just about every little town selling fishing licenses....the 45-70, not so much.

I bought a savage 111 in great shape for $300. It now has a neat little 4x scope and is the perfect "bush gun. It is a full pound lighter than the Marlin offering.

Just my two bits. :D
 
Northman999 said:
The Marlin guide gun does have its attractive points, but it is a speciality rifle to be sure. The lighweight 30-06 is simply far more versatile of a rifle.
Click to expand...

Agreed, but like a few others, I have one of each. ;)Just to keep the bases covered:p.

30-06Husqvarna.jpg


Marlin1895GS45-70.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom