Well as some of you may have read in my previous post about ammo selection for 45-70, I was going to buy a Marlin GBL 45-70. Well I did. One of my local Cappy tire stores had 3 in stock. I looked at all 3 and overall, all 3 were good but only 1 had decent wood checkering on the pistol grip. On the other 2, the wood checkering on the pistol grip was almost non-existent, but the foregrips were fine. All 3 also had XH stamped into the barrel...correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that means a manufacture date of dec. 2013? Anyways, I'm glad I finally own a GBL. I love how it handles being so compact and it shoulders so naturally for me. Can't wait to shoot it. Have to find a nice sling, and if anyone has recommendations for a good quality buttstock shell carrier that will stay put, let me know please. Lastly, cost was $699 plus GST.
GBL...Bought it!
- Thread starter RACKMAN
- Start date
45-70 Marlins are a blast to shoot - Enjoy your new rifle ! 
RJ
Year 2000 1895G Marlin 45-70
RJ
Year 2000 1895G Marlin 45-70
BrotherRockeye
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Rural Saskatchewan
this is a simple and easy to make design that doesn't move:
You might want to check out andysleather.com for a sling and ammo cuff. He does excellent quality work, and his Rhodesian sling is genius for a hunting rifle...
Congradulations on your new purchase.I know bringing in a new gun into the house is like having a new baby. I do not in any way want to rain on your parade but this forum is a forum of truth and experience of the people who visit and post. So I will say my piece and be quiet. I own 7 older Marlins in various calibers and they are accurate beyond belief; they have given me untold pleasure in the field and range. I will never part with these pieces.
Two of my friends bought the firearm you did and it turned into a nightmare for them. We call these guns Remlins. They were nothing but problems from day one. I cannot in good faith recommend a purchase of a Marlin to anyone. I just bought a 39A Marlin for the grand kids and it is on it's second trip to the gunsmith 160 miles one way. I am not happy at all.
When people ask me about purchasing a lever gun I tell them to buy a Henry. These pieces are quality. I truly hope your new gun works out for you.
Two of my friends bought the firearm you did and it turned into a nightmare for them. We call these guns Remlins. They were nothing but problems from day one. I cannot in good faith recommend a purchase of a Marlin to anyone. I just bought a 39A Marlin for the grand kids and it is on it's second trip to the gunsmith 160 miles one way. I am not happy at all.
When people ask me about purchasing a lever gun I tell them to buy a Henry. These pieces are quality. I truly hope your new gun works out for you.
well I've got an SBL from the first run and I love it. Favorite gun to shoot plus my wife bought it for me as a wedding anniversary gift. You will love that thing no matter who made it just go over to marlin owners if youve got any issues and those folks will likely be able to fix you up
- Location
- Haliburton County, Central Ontario
I'm surprised that you bought this rifle. You must have good taste.
Thanks all...I'm happy to finally own a GBL. I had been considering one for 4-5 years, but held off due to my concerns with Marlin quality after Remington took over, but by most accounts it seems that Marlin now has everything back up to snuff. Anyways, as for these Skinner sights...Is this a rear peep sight and front fiber optic bead/post setup? Or is there a better setup for aging eyes? I'm not going to be scoping this firearm so just need advice for an easy to see and acquire sight picture. Thanks for any info.
RACKMAN.......enjoy your Marlin levergun, I have had several over the years and the last was a 26" oct cowboy one, love the looks of these rifles but I just can't shoot them. My hands are too big for Marlin's lever design and they bite me something horrific. After 2 shots I'm flinching from the finger bite something terrible, Winchesters seem to be much better and a little deeper in the lever opening. All the Marlin 45-70s I've had over the years have been outstanding shooters with some of the best levergun accuracy I've experienced. Hope yours is a keeper and enjoy !!
Skinner sights are a rear peep sight (several different models) that very nicely follow the lines of the Marlin Rifle. They offer a fibre optic front or replacement blades in steel or brass. Worth the investment on a "keeper" rifle IMO.
This one with brass front blade is on my 336:
This one with brass front blade is on my 336:
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BrotherRockeye
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Rural Saskatchewan
I had the same problem and used to put my pinky outside the lever until I decided to open the loop up. I added a finger width on the back and about half again what the original depth was. I wanted big enough to fit but don't like those huge loop levers...moving your hand 2 inches before your fingers touch the bottom of the lever to start the cycle makes no sense to me.
I posted this pic on page 1 for the cartridge holder, but this is my idea of a "bigger" loop lever.
Don't happen to have that Marlin Cowboy still hanging around do you?
I had the same problem and used to put my pinky outside the lever until I decided to open the loop up. I added a finger width on the back and about half again what the original depth was. I wanted big enough to fit but don't like those huge loop levers...moving your hand 2 inches before your fingers touch the bottom of the lever to start the cycle makes no sense to me.
I posted this pic on page 1 for the cartridge holder, but this is my idea of a "bigger" loop lever.
Don't happen to have that Marlin Cowboy still hanging around do you?
Nope sold it several months ago on the EE.
Love my GBL... was my first purchased rifle once I had my PAL a few years ago... loved it so much I named my puppy after it (Marlin) Here's a pic with my Winchester (45LC) and Henry (.22) along with a couple of my very loyal Marlin
he was so happy after playing some fetch you can see his smile and his tail is wagging so fast you can't see it lol
he was so happy after playing some fetch you can see his smile and his tail is wagging so fast you can't see it lol
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And I am very grateful you sold it to me!
I liked it so much I bought a 1895GS and a 1895SS. I now find myself selling my other rifles to buy more 45-70's and other shoulder cannons that shoot .458
The big-bore bug bit me hard!
you might have to step up your game with a Big Horn Armory Model 89 ... 500S&W
