Your thinking about a marlin 30-30 or 45-70 when you already have one in 444?!?!? That makes no sense. If your only to have one gun make a dandy and get a Sako or something in that price range. Might as well have the best if its just one
Im doing it. Im going down to ONE gun
- Thread starter c.t.smith
- Start date
I think for only one gun I would definitely go with the 308 and would choose a Sako Black Bear because it has a detachable mag holding five rounds which is flush with the bottom of the receiver, iron sights and is quite light and balances well. I do not think the 45/70 is suitable, even though I have had a number of Marlin Guide Guns. I have also had the Ruger Scout and while it has many good features it is a rifle that has a number of drawbacks, especially if you want to mount a conventional scope on it. I think of the rifles you mentioned I would choose the Browning BLR take down Hog model, since I like compact rifles.
Johnn Peterson
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Chemainus B.C.
Good luck with your choice. There's nothing shabby about one of todays production 45-70 lever guns. I have a Marlin 444S and a Marlin 1895GS in 45-70, both up to the task in most situations you're likely to run into.
Short, balances fairly well, durable and with the todays handloads it can handle, it's more than 'capable'. Also, very versatile in being able to handle a wide variety of both jacketed and cast bullet reloads. Although, as fond of it as I am, for 'one gun' there are probably more appropriate choices.
Listen to this guy, he may be big and ugly on the outside. (still probably better than me) but his insides are full of knowledge and great experiences to share. He doesn't steer people wrong. Plus he survived living in Behchoko, so he's tough as nails, and twice as hard to pound.
Johnn Peterson
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Chemainus B.C.
I forgot to mention, for quick access to the iron sights if & when needed, I used a set of Weaver Pivot mounts. Have the same on my 444S. The only thing I'd prefer that the Guide Gun should have is a pistol grip butt stock like on my 444S.
The straight stock design of the Guide Gun 'can' be a little hard on the fingers when using heavier bullets and hot loads the 1895GS can handle.
Johnn Peterson
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Chemainus B.C.
If you've decided on a Marlin in 45-70, looks good.
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
Good luck with your choice. There's nothing shabby about one of todays production 45-70 lever guns. I have a Marlin 444S and a Marlin 1895GS in 45-70, both up to the task in most situations you're likely to run into.
Short, balances fairly well, durable and with the todays handloads it can handle, it's more than 'capable'. Also, very versatile in being able to handle a wide variety of both jacketed and cast bullet reloads. Although, as fond of it as I am, for 'one gun' there are probably more appropriate choices.
Is that a 1-4x on it? My pilot buddy is thinking this is what he should have for his 'plane rifle. If it's feeling neglected and needs someone to bust it out of your locker...
Applefarmer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Lime Stone City
Only one, might as well have one of the best, Steyr Mannlincher Luxus Mountain.
If you like the Ruger Scout, then maybe a Tikka Battue is for you. They're hard to find, but the synthetic version weights only slightly over 6 pounds, and has many benefits over the Ruger. Comes from the factory with Fiber optic sights, and its easy to put a rail on it over the receiver. Much smoother bolt, The Ruger does have better magazine options though.
Johnn Peterson
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Chemainus B.C.
That it is, a Leupold Vari X II. Again, with the loads the Marlin is capable of handling
, a little more eye relief would help. A 'new home' is already on the agenda for it. Young son in the BC central interior will be adopting it in the not too distant future.
