Marlin Dark 45-70 Quality ?

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FraserValley

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Hi, I am looking at the Marlin Dark in 45-70, and noted on the Cabela's reviews there were some guys who clearly got bad rifles.

I'd rather not buy something for CAD1250 with tax, only for it to become a warranty dispatch upon receipt !

Has anyone had good experience or bad with this one ?

My alternative is to go with a Henry in the same caliber.
 


Happy with this one. I've owned 2 SBL's and one GBL in the past. All required tweaking of the cam and polishing of the internals. One SBL came with shredded checkering and offset sights.

This Dark was an in store purchase. It ran smooth when I handled it and easily trumps the other 1895s in fit and finish. All were very accurate however.

I would advise you to not buy sight unseen.
 
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A Marlington, a Remlin, a Ruglin or a Marger...since 2010 when they closed the plant in North Haven you pays your money and takes your chances.
Take burnsys' advice in the above post and don't mail order.
 
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Might have to check it out at the local Cabelas then.

Or go with a Henry.

So far I have been very impressed with their quality.
 
Got mine from Prophet, mail order. They opened the box checked it over and shipped it out... hands down my favourite gun and like others I’ve owned sbl’s I like this better with the black and shorter barrel, threaded for muzzle break was a nice touch, that combined with the built in jell pad even Buffalo bore is like shooting out kittens.
 
Love mine. “Floppy Trigger” remains “floppy” but the lever is smooth and finish was excellent. Shoots factory ammo and my handloads into a legit 1.5 inch group at 100 yards. I did track down a MI fore end and love the thing even more. The scope is a Bushnell Prime 1-4 with lighted dot.... I likely will put on a red dot when all my load development is complete.

Pick one up for sure. Super fun gun and if you don’t like it, you won’t be out much as they seem to be snapped up quickly on the used market.
 

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Like others have said, purchase in person or have a good shop like Prophet look them over before shipping.
The very first one I looked at had an obviously canted front sight. Second one was perfect.
 
I picked one up from wild west. The stock is cracked when i took it apart for de-burring. Not a deal breaker. I ordered a muzzle break from austrailia, best decision ever. Holosun 512 reflex installed 1.5 “ at 100 off hand. 8 think this is my fav gun ever. Love it.
 
Excellent rifles. I own 4570, 444 marlin and 44 mag.

I know of 2 online stores who have sold me rifles that had manufacturing flaws. One was a marlin and one was a henry. So, issues happen with Henry’s as well. One shop is working hard with Henry to make it right. The other told me to fly a kite and claim warranty. Nice service
I was shocked to find 2 shops who do not inspect rifles before shipping to you, the customer. One of the shops I politely asked if they could inspect 2 rifles I purchased together before shipping to me. Believe it or not they actually told me “no, we won’t inspect any firearms for damage or flaws. It’s a warranty issue not ours”. Needless to say I wont be buying from them ever again. An expensive marlin they refused to open and inspect actually did have a gouge on the left side of the barrel mag.

I purchase a lot of firearms and there is only the one who has refused to inspect $3k worth of rifle before shipping out.

My local stores in Edmonton like p&d and prophet river and many others have a process whereby they check each rifle for damage. Others, when asked have gone above and beyond to inspect as well as send me pics to ensure it’s right before shipping. I am shocked when I hear of one who does not. If interested pm me and Ill give you my experience

Best of luck. I absolutely love my 3 marlin dark. With all the stories of problems with marlin Ive only had good one’s and Ive got about 20 newer manufactured one’s. I’m sad they are going through more turmoil when manufacturing seems to finally be on a good to great quality recently
 
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Any thoughts on the quality of the SBL and Trapper models in particular, especially compared to the Chiappa 1886 and other competing carbines? What about the effectiveness of shorter 45-70 carbines like the Marlin 16" Trappers and the 12" Chiappa 45-70s vs 18.5" barrels?
 
I think the most potent caliber in the Dark series is the 444.
Myself i have been scare of buying Remlington products for years.

I have to admit this 444 Dark have brought back confidence in Marlington products,
This is an awesome firearm with great power.
They did up their QC or i got a lucky one, i am looking to buy one in 357 mag if i get 2 perfect one in a row...:ar15:
 
rapstarD said:
........I was shocked to find 2 shops who do not inspect rifles before shipping to you, the customer.......
Click to expand...

If the manufacturers don't take the time, or have the pride of workmanship to inspect before shipping to their distributor's, why should the need for final inspection or any QC fall on the shoulders of the shop/sellers? The current demand is off the charts. Make 'em - Ship 'em is the current pride level.

Staff would have to be very well trained to know how to professionally QC the myriad of rifles, shotguns and pistols most of them sell...so best to know what you want, and QC it yourself. Online purchasing takes your chances...I know many gun shops in the USA that let you shoot before you buy, right out back of the shop in many locations... That I prefer.
 
FraserValley said:
Hi, I am looking at the Marlin Dark in 45-70, and noted on the Cabela's reviews there were some guys who clearly got bad rifles.

I'd rather not buy something for CAD1250 with tax, only for it to become a warranty dispatch upon receipt !

Has anyone had good experience or bad with this one ?

My alternative is to go with a Henry in the same caliber.
Click to expand...
There was a JM stamped 1895 45/70 on the EE yesterday for $900 with extras, you would be happier with that.
 
This is why I buy from Prophet, time and time again. If they have one left they look before they ship, if they have multiples they will have a look and ship you a nice one....

Bought my dark from them, favourite gun I own still, also bought two SBL’s and zero issue with either. You get what you pay for in life if you want to save 20-40$ on a 1000$+ purchase from a dealer who doesn’t care then you can’t complain when it arrives packed like crap or literally drop shipped from a supplier...
 
I have sbl, dark and trapper in 45 70 and the dark in 444 as well. I have loved the marlins more so than chiappa, but henry I enjoy as much, just a very different firearm. My eyes must be bad because Ive compared a rossi beside a chiappa in person and like the rossi better.

I’ll agree to disagree with the gent who commented on manufacturer qc processes and stores not checking their inventory for damage. Of many stores i have bought from there is only one who refused to. Others make it part of their practice and most have sent me pics of the rifle before I buy. I disagree that the risk should all be in the customer. I also disagree that a store not supporting the customer if a rifle is damaged is poor. I have a damaged Henry that the retailer is helping me get a replacement for. They didnt inspect, but are making every effort with Henry to bridge the communications and find me a solution. I’m good with that.

Oh and I agree with Propher river’s service. I continue to take business there and recommend them due to their fantastic service
 
I suggest looking at them in person, I bought mine 3 years ago at Epps and they had 5 out of 6 with the front sight slightly canted. I also bought a Henry 45/70 that shot a foot left at 30 yards.... seems like it’s neer impossible to buy good quality nowadays
 
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