45-70 Recommendations (Henry vs. Marlin lever-action)

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JayLei3000

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Hi CGN!

Wondering if you guys could give me some recommendations and thoughts on lever-action 45-70s.

I have been trying to do some research on modern Marlin 45-70 GBLs and SBLs, as well as the Henry Lever Action 45-70s.

I have heard nothing good about post-2008 "Remlin" 45-70s with quality and finish issues. Is this still the case in Nov. 2016? How about similar issues with the Henry 45-70s?

This rifle will primarily be a bear-gun in the back-country, so cycling reliability and working parts are a MUST. And I really don't want to buy a new rifle just to spend time and money fixing it.

I love how the Marlin SBL looks but I worried about dropping the cash on a lemon...

Thoughts greatly appreciated! :)
 
Man, the Marlins cannot touch the Henry's for fit and finish, and smooth cycling. The Henry's are top notch guns, and they're beautiful too!

I have a Big Boy in 357 and I couldn't believe how smooth it cycled out of the box.

I've also got a Marling 1895 Guide with the straight stock, side by side with the Henry, makes me wish I never bought it.
 
I collect older JM Marlin's, but picked up a 2016 production SBL and it instantly became a favourite. The fit is just as good as the old ones. Search CGN there are a few threads from this year discussing them.

Pictures don't do it justice.. the SBL is the ultimate 45-70 period.
 
for a bush protection tool ALWAYS buy something you have held in your hand and satisfy yourself as to the reliability/smoothness ect. then make up your own mind what fits your requirements.
 
If you are buying a Henry, make sure you buy the 2nd generation. They improved the magazine hanger design and it's much more stable now.
 
I have a marlin that I bought last year. Canted barrel and if you let the hammer down it might not go bang if you recock it. Can't remember what the deal was with that
 
Hi everyone!

Thank you all for the input and advice.

I have gone ahead and purchased off a fellow CGN-er a Marlin 1985 GS, JM Stamped (2005 production?).

Will still look at the newer production SBLs if the verdict out there is that the fit/finish on these have dramatically improved since 2008ish.

I Henry Lever Actions certainly look ###y, but I love the side loading gate as well! Something about it just feels so right! :)
 
I needed a new berry pickin gun so last summer bought a newer Marlin SBL. Fit and finish as good as pre remlin. Functions flawlessly. Quickly becoming my favorite gun to go out and have some fun with. Looked at the henrys but didnt seem to feel or fit as good and I didnt like the no half #### stuff. Longer length of pull is bad for a protection rifle. If you go marlin get a safety delete and metal shell follower from beartooth mercantile. Cross bolt saftey in a bush gun is a great way to turn your bush protection from a firearm to a club when you need it most.
 
nof60 said:
I needed a new berry pickin gun so last summer bought a newer Marlin SBL. Fit and finish as good as pre remlin. Functions flawlessly. Quickly becoming my favorite gun to go out and have some fun with. Looked at the henrys but didnt seem to feel or fit as good and I didnt like the no half #### stuff. Longer length of pull is bad for a protection rifle. If you go marlin get a safety delete and metal shell follower from beartooth mercantile. Cross bolt saftey in a bush gun is a great way to turn your bush protection from a firearm to a club when you need it most.
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At least I'm not the only one who dislikes the transfer bar safety. I'm sure it works but a good part of me doeant want to carry the rifle with the hammer down.
 
I prefer the Marlin over the Henry based on the ability to load additional rounds on the go as needed via the loading port vs tube. Regarding JM-stamped vs modern, current Marlins, I'd always check out any modern marlin personally before purchasing. You've seen the pics and heard the stories about QC issues. I'm not saying they're not good but lemons can still happen. I love the new ABLs and am looking for one to replace the JM-stamped one I recently sold. I like the shorter barrel and additional rounds. A laminate stainless would also be good but pricier.
 
After hearing all of the opinions, I went ahead and ordered another new Marlin 1985 SBL from General Gun and Supply.

They current have a great stock and decent prices, compared to other retailers!

This is going to be a fun winter!
 
JayLei3000 said:
After hearing all of the opinions, I went ahead and ordered another new Marlin 1985 SBL from General Gun and Supply.

They current have a great stock and decent prices, compared to other retailers!

This is going to be a fun winter!
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Awsome. Again please check out the safety deletes from beartooth mecantile (just google). Easy to install. Less than 10 minutes. Cheap. Awesome. They are stateside I think but came in the mail real quick.
 
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