Marlin Cowboy or Uberti 1873

[358Scout]

I've been reading some of the threads this morning and have now made my decision to go with the 45 Colt cartridge. I plan on shooting silhouette out to 200 yards - not CAS. I checked out the Marlin Cowboy in 44 Mag at Wholesale Sports yesterday. Very nice rifle. Action seemed smoother than the 357 - or so we thought. My problem was ( with my aging eyes) the rear sight. It was fuzzy. Whey are bringing in the 45 Colt from Calgary - should arrive in the next couple of weeks.

My second choice of rifle is the Uberti 1873 Sporter with 24 1/2" barrel in 45 Colt.

My question is this. I think I am going to get Vernier sights for the rifle. If so then the longer barrel would or should be better - Yes or No?

Also from reviews I've read the triggers are quite hefty ( on the 1873) somewhere around 6.5 - 7 lb pull Does anyone in Sask or Alberta do trigger work on these rifles?

 

[Creek]

You seem to be leaning to the Marlin and for silhoeutte it is probably the best choice.

The new Marlin Cowboy now is available in 20" barrel length an older model with a 24" barrel might be hard to find. That said a Marlin action is stronger than the old toggle link design in the 73 so you can load snotty for silhouette.

A steady diet of higher octane rounds through a 73 is not recommended. The rifle max velocity for SASS is 1400 fps and no body I know shoots that heavy a load in a 73.

A Marlin loaded stout with a 250 grain bullet should do the job at 200 meters if you work out the sight problem you mentioned

Stoney Creek SASS 4952L
TG

 

[358Scout]

That what I was thinking. I tried to find info on what the Uberti 73 could take for loads but found nothing. which makes me hesitant in that direction. I guess all i have to find now is a good set of Vernier sights for the Marlin. Thank you Creek.

 

[Creek]

358Scout

I don't know anyone that has a Vernier on a Marlin but Lyman tang sights are quite common on Marlins used in SASS main matches and also long range side matches.

For silhouette a Lyman tang sight and a Lyman #17 front with inserts might do the job.

Lyman sights mount on the tang without drilling and tapping. They make a tang for the Marlin 1894. See their web page.

A Vernier for a Marlin would be pricey if you find one it would most probably require a special mounting base and drilling and tapping .

Google Lyman and have a look at their sight product line.

Stoney creek SASS 4952L
TG

 

[fingers284]

I think the Marbles tang sight would be a better choise for what you have described. They have three different easily changed staff hieghts available with thier sights.

I would be concerened that the Lyman will not have enough hieght elevation to shoot that far with a .44.
They aren't that much more money and for sure will do the job. Hate for you to spend on the Lyman and find out it is to short.