On a hunt for a Marlin SBL and info

Can't go wrong with a new SBL. I've had a few of them over the last couple years - (bought it, tried it, traded it, regretted it, rinse and repeat) and all shot very well. Cloverleaf at 50 yards with open sights and hand loads. I was impressed. Don't really need an optic on that one unless the eyes are getting old. A good option is a VX3 1.5-5. That is what I used and eventually transferred to a Kodiak 375 they are outstanding little scopes IMHO
 
I have a small collection of Marlin lever's (all JM) up until the SBL and I would tend to agree on the scopes being a sin, but the SBL is a different animal and has a pic rail for a reason. Quick Release rings make it a no brainer.
 
Lol driving myself crazy Hahahah is the stainless worth $400 extra???

I can get an an ABL with rail for $900 or an SBL for $1280 have shopped everywhere and sent email inquierys even willing to buy bulk ammo and these are apperantly the new prices and is what it is.
 
Buy once, cry once!!

$1280 seems to be the cheapest around right now.

I don't know where you're looking to get the ABL from, but check out P-D-Ent to compare.. Immediate 8% discount (5% tax) ordering from them out of Ontario, but shipping is not free.

Wife just advised CP dropped off my package earlier!
 
dogzilla said:
Scopes don't belong on a lever gun
Click to expand...

I tend to agree...but then stainless steel, laminated wood and pic rails don't belong on one either! As mastermind said, the SBL is a different animal entirely. You don't buy one because you want to have a traditional levergun; you buy one because it is a totally practical and capable rifle in a smashingly effective chambering.

As for the value of the stainless steel: if you want it, then it's worth getting. If you don't, you will always wonder if you should have. Get what you want and enjoy it. You mentioned that the ABL has a rail; does it also have the outstanding XS ghost ring rear sight/post front combo? If it doesn't, then it should be easier to justify the almost-$400 extra charge for the SBL. The SBL also has a really nice, non-ventilated and very effective recoil pad. Does the ACL have that crappy ventilated pad that looks like it came off a 1970 pump shotgun?
 
Wants All has the ABL for 850$ and for 50$ they will provide and install the 1895 rail. Was not aware P D offered the tax discount. Thanks! Found out Irun wouldn't have it till June ($1250 all in).
 
Yes it's just the rail, I have a Strike Fire II and Sparc II one of those would probably going on it. By the sounds of it though there is the added value of stuff more than just the stainless and ghost sights.
 
I heard they are bringing the SBL out in 44 mag this year, so we may see one by 2020. Stainless or blue wouldn't matter to me, I hunted in all kinds of weather all my life with blued guns with no problem. A dry rag and a little oil and you're good to go. You just don't toss it into a case wet. I like the SBL simply because it IS a little different. Just as a Single Action army would make a good pairing with most levers. I got a Redhawk in 45LC to go with this one
 
If I had to choose to keep only one gun it would be the SBL my wife bought me when they first came out . Love that gun almost as much as my wife lol. It's fun to shoot my cast boolets with trailboss or varget . And I didn't find it overly destructive on the doe I shot a few years back with it .
 
I just unboxed my SBL and I am in awe. I haven't even cut the hang tag but it's an instant favourite. Sorry guys, no pics I am sending this from my iPhone to tell the Op to definitely go with the SBL decision if it's not too late.

I have several other JM Marlin's and this 1895SBL manufactured in March of this year is as good if not better in quality except for the checkering. Pictures don't do this gun justice. It's much nicer in person.
 
I'm going SBL I'm waiting to hear about a possible used one but if not I'm ordering first thing in the morning. They look awesome the reviews are great and I think it will be one of those 20 year guns!

Next I'll need advice where to get a good stock bullet holder and good priced ammo!!!

I will let you know how it plays out, thanks for all the advice and support!!! Not one person has said the 45-70 is a crap round so makes me feel better about my first big bore purchase!
 
Canadian Tire had SBL for $1057 but were out of stock in Leduc last month. I was impatient and bought one at wholesale for $1299.

Put a red dot on it and it's perfect.

Also added the butler creek padded sling that holds six rounds? The Jurassic World one
 
If you are going to shoot 45-70, you probably want to start reloading (factory rounds aren't cheap). The nice thing is that you can load it right down for fun at the range (constant full house loads aren't for the faint of heart) or right up for polar bear. After I bumped the crossbolt safety on for the second time (it just seems to be in the wrong place) I removed it and put in a saddle ring (just because I like the look)
 
Glad i found that discussion. Im looking for a 45-70 too, i like the SBL alot (handled twice) but never shot one. The guide gun would probably be my choice because i like the more "classic" look of it and as much as i find the SBL nice i think it's a bit "flashy"...

I currently own a 30-30 and a blr in 308. Would i make a mistake going for the 45-70? (No long range shooting)
 
i have had three Guide guns, GBL and an SBL over the years. I prefer the Guide gun since I find it a little handier and easier to carry because of the weight and currently have Skinner sights on my Guide gun.
 
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