Rebarreling a Marlin 1895 Classic
- Thread starter Highwind
- Start date
Blastattack
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Winnipeg MB
Probably. Why?
DancesWithEmptyCasings
CGN Regular
- Location
- The Wet Coast
..…………………………………...If you were quite tall it would make sense for a hunting rifle. Being 5"10, I like that my Classic does not snag the ground when I carry it single handed.
I did one for a fellow several years ago. I didn't/don't have a 45-70 reamer so he had to purchase one as well as a barrel. By the time he was finished, the 26 inch barrel installation cost him as much as the rifle when it was new.
One thing that did happen is the rifle became very muzzle heavy. This is exactly what he wanted. The extra four inches of barrel increased his handload velocities by about 60fps on average. His offhand groups tightened up substantially because of the extra weight at the muzzle, which steadied his aim. The weight was quite noticeable. Actually looked a lot like the Model 64 Winchester, which I find appealing.
There are pros and cons. If the original barrel has been damaged or pitted the change out would be doable. No, I don't usually do this type of work. I usually just do my own work. I don't like taking work away from the very good smiths out there that make their living doing such things. Not only that, so many firearms and so little time.
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One thing that did happen is the rifle became very muzzle heavy. This is exactly what he wanted. The extra four inches of barrel increased his handload velocities by about 60fps on average. His offhand groups tightened up substantially because of the extra weight at the muzzle, which steadied his aim. The weight was quite noticeable. Actually looked a lot like the Model 64 Winchester, which I find appealing.
There are pros and cons. If the original barrel has been damaged or pitted the change out would be doable. No, I don't usually do this type of work. I usually just do my own work. I don't like taking work away from the very good smiths out there that make their living doing such things. Not only that, so many firearms and so little time.
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Glad that I re-visited the gunsmith threads and saw the responses to my question regarding a longer barrel on a Marlin 1895 45-70 Classic. And bearhunter noted that in the project he did with the 26 inch barrel swap, there was a gain of 60fps, Rifle was more muzzle heavy, offhand groups improved, and the finished result resembled a Winchester Model 64... Also I'm taller than DancesWithEmptyCasings. I've added a slip on recoil pad to get some extra LOP on the 1895 Classic. I like the Marlin 1895 because it can be scoped, but the main competitor from Winchester, the model 1886 was produced in various barrel lengths up to 26 inches, but is not scoped.
Whether it's scoped or not, a lever type of rifle in 45-70 with a 26" barrel provides a few outcomes that I favor. The intention is not to tote a rifle like this on long walks in the bush, but have something that can show some potential and gains - where possible. And, I'll mount a simple scope on it and likely sit by a swamp and wait for the big guy to come into reasonable range. Also, the pistol grip style is preferred over the straight stock versions.
Personally I'm not interested in a "guide-gun" version as I have experienced the sound of the muzzle blast from one of these short barrelled rifles. And I'm not fond of it. I like the Cowboy for the longer 26" barrel it offers - but I'm not in need of the long magazine tube found on the Cowboy. And when offered, the Marlin 1895 XLR in 45-70 was closer in design and features then the Classic is. I didn't notice them when they were in production and probably really would have obtained one - when they were more available. So this is one of the reasons I have considered a re-barrel on the 1895 Classic at 22" to a 26" barrel. And if Marlin re-issues the 1895 XLR with the 24 inch barrel or better yet if Marlin added another 2" (26") to the 1895 XLR that would be ideal. For now I'll have to think about costs associated with the re-barrel of the 22" Classic to a 26" barrel.
Whether it's scoped or not, a lever type of rifle in 45-70 with a 26" barrel provides a few outcomes that I favor. The intention is not to tote a rifle like this on long walks in the bush, but have something that can show some potential and gains - where possible. And, I'll mount a simple scope on it and likely sit by a swamp and wait for the big guy to come into reasonable range. Also, the pistol grip style is preferred over the straight stock versions.
Personally I'm not interested in a "guide-gun" version as I have experienced the sound of the muzzle blast from one of these short barrelled rifles. And I'm not fond of it. I like the Cowboy for the longer 26" barrel it offers - but I'm not in need of the long magazine tube found on the Cowboy. And when offered, the Marlin 1895 XLR in 45-70 was closer in design and features then the Classic is. I didn't notice them when they were in production and probably really would have obtained one - when they were more available. So this is one of the reasons I have considered a re-barrel on the 1895 Classic at 22" to a 26" barrel. And if Marlin re-issues the 1895 XLR with the 24 inch barrel or better yet if Marlin added another 2" (26") to the 1895 XLR that would be ideal. For now I'll have to think about costs associated with the re-barrel of the 22" Classic to a 26" barrel.
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From opticstalk.com posted by realist Nov.17,2008
I went out and marked 100 yards 150 yards and 200 yards. I shot all three 45/70s
18.5 in 22 in and the 24 in.
depending on the bullet you shot this is what I found out.
the 18.5 is a great rifle 100-125 yards great 125 plus yards it drops fast.
the 22in like I said depending on the round was better no problem hitting 200 yards
with about 7-8 in drop.
the 24 in was the best over all 100 yards 150 yards 200 yards very accurate with about
a 4-6 in drop at best.
I used buffalo 300gr 350 gr Hornaby 325gr and garrett 420gr for my little test.
with that said and reading all the replys .
I think the 22 in and the right round would be best over all and even better if you could
get it in stainless.
the xlr is great to . For a brush rifle its a little long barreled for me.
I went out and marked 100 yards 150 yards and 200 yards. I shot all three 45/70s
18.5 in 22 in and the 24 in.
depending on the bullet you shot this is what I found out.
the 18.5 is a great rifle 100-125 yards great 125 plus yards it drops fast.
the 22in like I said depending on the round was better no problem hitting 200 yards
with about 7-8 in drop.
the 24 in was the best over all 100 yards 150 yards 200 yards very accurate with about
a 4-6 in drop at best.
I used buffalo 300gr 350 gr Hornaby 325gr and garrett 420gr for my little test.
with that said and reading all the replys .
I think the 22 in and the right round would be best over all and even better if you could
get it in stainless.
the xlr is great to . For a brush rifle its a little long barreled for me.
Lee Enfield
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Republic of Alberta
marlin owners . com
I'm about 1/2 way thru a similar project in .444
I'm about 1/2 way thru a similar project in .444
Why not look for a Marlin Cowboy in .45/70? With its long barrel, it's very sleek and lighter than an 86.
A century ago, I won a couple of Cowboy matches with mine.
I haven't shot it for several years, but it's still in the lock-up, while the 86 has gone to a new home.
A century ago, I won a couple of Cowboy matches with mine.
I haven't shot it for several years, but it's still in the lock-up, while the 86 has gone to a new home.
fingers284
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
I have to agree with Slug on the Cowboy...the extra mag length that the OP complains about really is a non-issue...you don't have to fill-er-up if you don't want to...I have a 26"er and with the right ammo it is a 100 yrd. "gopher gun".
