45/70 options.

I have numerous 45-70's ,Rolling blocks, 1874 Sharps actions, 1885 Falling Blocks, early as well as modern lever guns (both Win and Marlin manuf.) and they all have characteristics that endear them to me. Just pick one and enjoy it...

One option that no one has mentioned is the new Miroku /Win. 1886's they are a beautiful rifle that will handle moderate ammo and heavy enough to be very comfortable to shoot. Mine is in 45-90 and still very pleasant.
 
I love the #1 platform. Truly one of my favourite rifles out there. But it always seemed wrong in a 45-70 (or a rimless case). To me the Farquharson action always made more sense in a rimmed cartridge but for some reason the 45-70 just feels wrong to me. Maybe it's the UltraFudd in me. There is absolutely no reason it wouldn't be excellent. Just like briefs...Not my cup of tea.

That said, I have a Browning 1885 in 45-70 and to me, that's the ultimate platform for a 45-70. But I have a buddy wo would love an 1885 in 375 H&H and, to me, that seems an insane combination.

I remembered this thread from last fall, it had reminded me that I had a long standing desire for a B-78 in 45/70... I really like my Ruger No.1-S in 45/70, but the elegant straight stock and curved buttplate of the B-78 has always been enticing... so when I had the chance, I added one to the stable;

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The 1895 is a favorite. My SS was one of the most enjoyable hunting rifles I've owned but on a whim I sold it and always regretted it. Then I got a GS which is a really nice rifle but sold that one as well. Next I got an XLR which is also a great rifle but sold that one too.

Finally figured out that it's the blued/walnut 1895 that does it for me. It's next on the list of rifles to buy. :cool:

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I remembered this thread from last fall, it had reminded me that I had a long standing desire for a B-78 in 45/70... I really like my Ruger No.1-S in 45/70, but the elegant straight stock and curved buttplate of the B-78 has always been enticing... so when I had the chance, I added one to the stable;

20170329_070800_zpsw51jbohu.jpg

They really are a nice rifle . I've owned a lot of rifles over the years , but this one I really regret selling . Mine shot extremely well , how does yours shoot ?
 
I've had a guide gun, two H and R Buffalo Classics and one Hand rifle in .45-70 at different times. All very nice to shoot, with the Buffalo classic being the best of the bunch for accuracy and the ability to take spire point bullets. Now I have a T and C Sharps with adjustable tang sight and will not look back. Excellent triggers, smooth as butter action, beautiful wood and case colouring, and I've made hits with it out to 450 yards using 500 grain cast spire points and a full load of 3f goex. It's heavy for hunting, but I'm a 6'4", 240 lbs carpenter, so I don't mind it at all.
 
A Ruger #1 is a great platform for the .45/70, but since it's also a great platform for the .458, if it was my money, it would be a .458. One of the Marlins is a good option, at one time I had one of the earlier blue and walnut M-1895 versions, with the 22" micro-groove barrel, a straight stock, and half magazine. In those days cash money was an issue, and a M-700 in .30/06 seemed like a more practical outfit, so the Marlin got traded off. I keep hearing how the .45/70 is the equal of the .458, but I've yet to see it prove out. In the Marlin, the OAL is restricted to a pistol bullet profile, but with the bullet seated out in the #1, there'd be more room for propellant. Still, a .45/70 that's busting at the seams is still no .458, but a .458 can be backed off to fill the .45/70 niche. If I was intent upon a .45/70 repeater, I might take a hard look at one of the modern manufactured '86 Winchesters from Browning, Pedersoli, or Uberti.
 
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I find the 1-S 45-70 with the lighter profile 22" tube a little more esthetically pleasing, with better balance than the tropical 458.
 
Considered the 458 WM No.1 but after handling it chose the 45-70 instead because to me the 458 handled like a railroad tie. But the extra weight would help with recoil management.

The 458 Tropical has a 24" H barrel whereas my 45-70 has a 22" medium barrel. Feels much handier and the No.1 is somehow nicer with flanged cases. I can get a 500gr bullet going 1900 fps in my No.1 45-70, and probably a bit faster with a bit of effort but what for? The 458 WM can do about 200 fps more.

458 Tropical
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My 45-70
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Never had a 45-70 yet! But it's on the bucket list and pretty much near the top now. Handled a Marlin 1895 CB American Cowboy. 26" octagon barrel and surprisingly light. I was impressed. Not going to be a bush or bear gun. Just a range toy. Could see casting as I am set up for it, just not this caliber.

Any thoughts on this one? I have previously thought a Ruger #1 or even a H&R Buffalo. Up till now have just resisted taking the plunge.
 
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