Looking for a .45-70 lever action rifle. What are my options?
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I had one of the first Marlin guide guns. Was a real moose hunter. The porting was violently loud so I sold it. If I were to replace it today, it would be an old, pre-safety, fullsized, 22" Marlin, a Winchester or a Henry.
I've had a 22" Marlin 1895 classic, an 1895 cowboy and just picked up a new production Winchester 1886.
Quality wise the 1886 is head and shoulders above the recent marlins(that I've seen on the shelf) with excellent fit and finish, and good machining(and I'm a picky machinist). It's heavy as hell though but built like a bank vault so iit is forgivable and I knew that going in to the purchase. I have not shot it yet but the crescent steel buttplace has "bruise master 2000" written all over it.
The winchester is a top quality heirloom piece, but not a lightweight hunting gun by any stretch. Worth every penny.
As for the Marlins, both of mine were pre remington vintage and tthe fit/finish was excellent, checkering was deep and clean on the classic. Both guns pointed well and were easy to carry, even the mile long barrel on the cowboy which was very light and balanced due to the octagine profile. Neither gun I found obnoxious to shoot and were very accurate.
I'd have a hard time paying what they are asking for the new guns with the god awful "checkering" lasered in and the crooked sights I've seen on some the last few months.
If you can find a good 22" 1895 classic it would be my choice for a hunter/plinker since you have a manageable size, weight and scope mounting option. Just look them over carefully if buying new, hopefully the QC issues are sorted by now.
Quality wise the 1886 is head and shoulders above the recent marlins(that I've seen on the shelf) with excellent fit and finish, and good machining(and I'm a picky machinist). It's heavy as hell though but built like a bank vault so iit is forgivable and I knew that going in to the purchase. I have not shot it yet but the crescent steel buttplace has "bruise master 2000" written all over it.
The winchester is a top quality heirloom piece, but not a lightweight hunting gun by any stretch. Worth every penny.
As for the Marlins, both of mine were pre remington vintage and tthe fit/finish was excellent, checkering was deep and clean on the classic. Both guns pointed well and were easy to carry, even the mile long barrel on the cowboy which was very light and balanced due to the octagine profile. Neither gun I found obnoxious to shoot and were very accurate.
I'd have a hard time paying what they are asking for the new guns with the god awful "checkering" lasered in and the crooked sights I've seen on some the last few months.
If you can find a good 22" 1895 classic it would be my choice for a hunter/plinker since you have a manageable size, weight and scope mounting option. Just look them over carefully if buying new, hopefully the QC issues are sorted by now.
The early Browning manufactured 1886 from just over 20 years ago are an excellent 45-70 if you can find one.
An all exact duplicate of the original '86 with the half-#### notch on the hammer instead of a safety.
Mine is an excellent shooter with either cast or jacketed loads..
An all exact duplicate of the original '86 with the half-#### notch on the hammer instead of a safety.
Mine is an excellent shooter with either cast or jacketed loads..
Mine is 22", same as the original saddle ring carbine which it duplicates..
If you can find one, the Marlin built M1895XLR is the best .45-70 lever going.
I was lucky enough to get one, and I would never sell it.
I had the M1895GS (SS Guide Gun), but I sold it. The 22' barrel XLR is a nicer handling rifle.
I also have a Winchester M1886, Miroku production.
I was lucky enough to get one, and I would never sell it.
I had the M1895GS (SS Guide Gun), but I sold it. The 22' barrel XLR is a nicer handling rifle.
I also have a Winchester M1886, Miroku production.
