New to Lever guns and crave a Marlin 1895SBL in 45-70 - Thoughts?

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Morning all,

Currently i do not have a lever gun in the safe and I have a new found craving for a Marlin 1895SBL lever gun. Notwithstanding Mr Crumbz QC issues he had with his, i was wondering if there were any other CGNz out there who has one of these. I would welcome your thoughts.

Also, while I like the whole 45-70 'thing', the large loop lever and the stainless finish etc, i was wondering are there any other options out there that could challenge the SBL?

many thanks
 
I would take a Marlin over a Henry any day of the week

I have an SBL and it's my favorite rifle. They have really improved on quality in the last couple of years. Make sure you get one made AFTER 2015.

I believe there's a $100 right now
 
I like the looks of the Marlin Cowboy models with the full length magazines and straight grip.
Dislike the way Henry's feed the tube magazine, through the top.
I still wouldn't buy a Marlin online, but would rather check one out in person.
 
I own several levers, love the smooth action of my henry, but my marlin xlr 45 70 is my favourite, jm stamped as well.
 
My Henry Big Boy is the smoothest lever I've ever had or tried.Their fit and finish,accuracy and customer service is second to none IMO.If you hunt the front feeding tube is the best!Many times I've been searching for ejected rounds in the snow and dark after unloading after a days hunt with a side loader ,while unloading the Henry is a snap right in my hand!
 
I have the GBL and wish I had the cash on hand to get the SBL. They are a nice handling gun but do have a couple quirks. Watch out for the feed gate edges as they are super sharp. The gate spring is also very heavy and needs to be softened up. Reload is also more or less mandatory in this calibre. While not up there with the big safari calibres, it puts a hole in the wallet real fast.
 
LouF said:
My Henry Big Boy is the smoothest lever I've ever had or tried.Their fit and finish,accuracy and customer service is second to none IMO.If you hunt the front feeding tube is the best!Many times I've been searching for ejected rounds in the snow and dark after unloading after a days hunt with a side loader ,while unloading the Henry is a snap right in my hand!
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Also easier to load rounds in the tube then in the loading gate when wearing gloves.
 
One thing to be aware of is that the SBL and GBL both weigh more that the Guide gun, due to the laminated stocks and the six round magazines compared to the four round magainze for the Guide gun. I have had all three and went back to the Guide gun since it is lighter to carry at 6.92 lbs empty, the SBL and GBL add about a pound to this weight.
 
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I routered out my forearm a bit and drilled the butt stock under the recoil pad on my GBL. It's been a while, but as I recall it lightened the gun and balance significantly.
 
I had an 1895gbl reluctantly sold it to a good friend, bought a Rossi Rio Grande then sold it, still have a Henry 45 70 and it is definitely my favourite,
 
.22mkii said:
I have the GBL and wish I had the cash on hand to get the SBL. They are a nice handling gun but do have a couple quirks. Watch out for the feed gate edges as they are super sharp. The gate spring is also very heavy and needs to be softened up. Reload is also more or less mandatory in this calibre. While not up there with the big safari calibres, it puts a hole in the wallet real fast.
Click to expand...

How do you soften up the spring. My gate is really tight and hard to stuff a load.
 
Personally, I don't like the look of, and don't have, a pistol grip lever gun. I also don't like big loops, but I have one on my Ranch Hand. However, when it comes to comfort, both are way ahead of a staight grip. The 45-70 in straight grip can be painful on the lever hand. I have 2 Rossi's in 44 mag, 1 Guide Gun in 45-70, and a Henry .22 (hope to add a few more before the year is out). I have to say that all are very smooth, and show very good to excellent workmanship, and the Marlin (a later model remlin) is excellent. The Marlin is by far the most accurate of the . O yeah, I forgot, I have a lever 12 gauge as well. With a 14" barrel on it, that is one mean mother-phoqueur - both ways.
 
I'm the opposite, I far prefer a pistol grip. Got rid of my Winchesters, kept my 1950's Marlin 30-30, my SBL, and my all time favorite, my Uberti special sport in 45 colt. That thing is a work of art, and if it came in 45-70, I'd have one in an instant.

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