Is owning a .444 Marlin and a .45-70 Guide gun redundant??

[Jeff/1911]

...............my biggest thing after shooting the .444, is the fact that the 22" barreled gun points, and shoots alot nicer than the 18.5" barreled Guidegun. I also like the slimmer forestock on the .444 The Guidegun feels like a 2x4 at the forestock to me.

I know what you mean...I bought a Guide Gun awhile back, and as neat as it is, I ended up selling it to my brother. He loves it...and now that I have the older style .45-70 with full length barrel and slimmer forestock I realize that I much prefer that style.

Jeff.

 

[Johnn Peterson]

With a 45-70, why would you want a lesser big bore?

No real 'just cause', just cuz?

 

[John Y Cannuck]

...............my biggest thing after shooting the .444, is the fact that the 22" barreled gun points, and shoots alot nicer than the 18.5" barreled Guidegun. I also like the slimmer forestock on the .444 The Guidegun feels like a 2x4 at the forestock to me.

So get an 1886 Win, and ditch the Marlins

 

[beretta boy]

Seems you're a 450 Marlin short of a full stable

 

[Win94]

Played with loads and put a few rounds down range last night with the .444
I think the Guidegun may be going on the block for sale.

 

[Republic of Alberta]

I hated that clubby forend on the Guide gun at first. I just did not undersand why they would put such a big piece of wood on there.


After I shot the rifle off hand a bit with hot loads I started to "get it", lots of muzzel flip. That is a nice big fat stock to hang on to.

Then I carryed it around for a few weeks and now fully appreciate why it is the way it is. When you carry the gun with the belly of the action in your hand your thumb wants to ride allong the top of the forend where the BBL channel is. That fat peice of wood gives your thumb some thing to rides on and provides ballance.


Need to file down that stupid "***" (on the loading ramp) that pops out of the belly of the reciever, it digs into your hand all day.

EDIT: I got the old *** when I tryed to type T I T

 

[Win94]

ROA i hear you about the muzzle flip. I am pushing the 350 Hornday's at only 1950 with IMR 3031 and it wakes you up. It must be a wicked jolt with the upper loads in the area of 2100fps!!

 

[crazy_davey]

I think the Guidegun may be going on the block for sale.

Jeezuz Mark, I think you must enjoy the punishment you get around here

 

[Win94]

...............I know i know

 

[444shooter]

You are doing the right thing. Ditch that old ex-army round and stay with the obviously superior one

 

[John Y Cannuck]

You are doing the right thing. Ditch that old ex-army round and stay with the obviously superior one

Been off the meds too long eh?

 

[crazy_davey]

Been off the meds too long eh?

Far too much me thinks

 

[huntinstuff]

I think a guy should have at least one of each. My pref is the 444 because I don't reload.

 

[crazy_davey]

because I don't reload.

I think we need to fix this small problem Randy

 

[cariboo_kid]

I think a guy should have at least one of each. My pref is the 444 because I don't reload.

Yes, everyone should keep a clunky old 45/70 in the back of the safe to remind them of how much better their 444 is.

 

[Jeff/1911]

Hi Mark,

The thing is...either of these makes a wonderful CANNON, and you'll probably only end up shooting one or the other most of the time; right? No big deal to sell the Guide Gun for now...you can always buy another one if you change your mind.

The .444 is something a little different - which is neat.

Jeff.

 

[bronco_mudder]

Hi Mark,

The thing is...either of these makes a wonderful CANNON, and you'll probably only end up shooting one or the other most of the time; right? No big deal to sell the Guide Gun for now...you can always buy another one if you change your mind.

The .444 is something a little different - which is neat.

Jeff.

Yeah what he said Mark, so come on, you gotta sh*t or get of the pot man

 

[Johnn Peterson]

Yes, everyone should keep a clunky old 45/70 in the back of the safe to remind them of how much better their 444 is.

You're hurting my feelings. I've done considerably more shooting and hunting with my Marlin .444S than I have with my Marlin GS in .45-70 but only time will address that 'deficiency'. I'd be hard pressed to choose between the two, and hopefully I'll never have to.

 

[Boomer]

Both rounds are interesting, but I would not say that owning both was redundant. The .45-70 has 13% more frontal area than the .444. The .45-70 can fire bullets that are 92% heavier than what is currently available for the .444, and when loaded with the same weight of bullet the .45-70 tends to shoot them 15% faster. When loaded with the same weight of bullet, the .444 gives up more powder volume than the .45-70. Bullets for the .45-70 come in a broader range of weight and styles than those available for the .444.

I might own both some day, but I would never choose a .444 over a .45-70.

 

[cariboo_kid]

You're hurting my feelings. I've done considerably more shooting and hunting with my Marlin .444S than I have with my Marlin GS in .45-70 but only time will address that 'deficiency'. I'd be hard pressed to choose between the two, and hopefully I'll never have to.

Just remember to wear your steel toed boots when shooting the GS. Those 500 grain slugs everybody seems to think they need come rolling out the end of the barrel pretty slow.