Marlin 45-70. How do I get a good one???

finstr

finstr

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
14   0   0
Location
North of the GTA
I've been hearing some pretty bad press lately about the Marlin lever action rifles. So I went and looked at one that I really like the looks of. It's a model 1895GBL, the one with the brown laminate stock, large loop and full lenth mag tube.
Upon inspection I found that all the checkering on the foreend was a MESS! Almost like there was no checkering at all. Makes me wonder how the internal machined parts look? I really want one of these but I don't want a lemon either.
Is there any way to find a good one or should I just forget the whole thing?? d:h:
 
finstr said:
I've been hearing some pretty bad press lately about the Marlin lever action rifles. So I went and looked at one that I really like the looks of. It's a model 1895GBL, the one with the brown laminate stock, large loop and full lenth mag tube.
Upon inspection I found that all the checkering on the foreend was a MESS! Almost like there was no checkering at all. Makes me wonder how the internal machined parts look? I really want one of these but I don't want a lemon either.
Is there any way to find a good one or should I just forget the whole thing?? d:h:
Click to expand...

Just do what you are doing already. Inspect it before buying. Try feeding a couple snap caps through it too if they'll let you. Feeding issues are generally very easy to correct though.

I've bought a few Marlin's and to be honest, there were quality control issues long before Remington bought them. None of the issues I've found have ever prevented the rifle from being accurate though.

Chris.
 
I bought a GBL in January...its a REP stamped barrel from remlin or marlington or whatever the haters wanna call it LOL

Cant find one thing wrong with it....issues from these rifles are inconsistant at best...just dont buy one sight unseen...like was stated above...buy some snap caps and make sure it cycles well and ejects etc. watch out for the infamous extra dovetail cut halfway up the barrel and check the stock fit right away.

dont be scared...buy one if you want one...just be careful and give it a once over...like you should with any rifle
 
Last edited:
You have to handle one and spend a bit of time checking it out. I had to go through 5 guns to find one that was not lacking something or had an obvious problem. I took mine apart once I got him home and cleaned it up, worked the action and made sure everything worked properly. I had to take a file to some of the edges as they were so sharp I cut myself. Once I had done all that, I picked up 4 snap caps and loaded/cycled the rifle while watching TV. After a while it got worked in enough that I was happy with the fit and finish.

I think the key is you need to handle it before buying...
 
Is it safe to say that one should seek out an old one without the safety button? The Marlins that I had that were of that vintage were very good guns.
 
saskcop said:
Is it safe to say that one should seek out an old one without the safety button
Click to expand...

IMO the safety button is the least of worries on the new Remlin made rifles.

Look for serial # beginning in 91(2009 production) and the JM stamp on the barrel.(REP stamp is Remlin)
Check fit n finish and take a quick peek inside the action.
And pick it up and handle it like the boys suggested(if ya can)

Good Luck

P.S.
Marlinowners.com is a great website w/ very knowledgable members...
check it out!;)
 
just start a WTB thread for one here on the EE.i bought my from here are it is a shooter.bought stainless guide gun than topped it with a skinner express sights.
 
Suka said:
You guys do realize if a company's turning out a crappy product and people keep buying it they'll keep turning out crap, right? Just saying..........
Click to expand...


And yet you bought a Browning BLR. Irony.:rolleyes:

OP - just keep looking. The one I bought was the 2nd I'd handled - and it was win the pre-Rem days.
 
Hey thanks for all the advice, fellas. I got a few pm's from members offering to sell me their older Marlins ( the better ones) and I appreciate that too! The real reason I was looking into this was simply because I like that 1895GBL alot and the fact it's a 45-70 is way cool. I'm not in any hurry tho as I have others to use on game.
Maybe I'll wait a few years to see if Remlins get any better. Maybe a letter to the Top Brass is in order, expressing my concerns.?
 
I vouch for the BLR in 450, one if not the slickest action a rifle have, only Browning i own but a very good one... JP.
 
Morpheus32 said:
I think the key is you need to handle it before buying...
Click to expand...

That's the key. Physically looking at it, working the action and eyeballing the fit and finish is worth spending a little extra on. Internet sales are a less selective, you get what you get and if it's not right it's a hassle to exchange or return for warranty.
 
If i was to buy a new one online let say at Epps i would not mind a 25.00 picker fee so he could eyeball 5 or 10 move the action and send me the one that the fittess... JP.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom