For my 55th BD, the boss allowed me to get a new toy. I seriously considered the Chaparral 50-95 from Marstar, but was unable to locate any brass anywhere in Canada. There was some Sharps stuff available, but it had to be trimmed down, and I'm not set up for it. I was also a little leery of buying one sight unseen given some of the issues others have had with Chappies. So we went down to LeBaron's Saturday and I was interested in several models. A Savage Alaska in 338, a Zastava in 375 or 458, a Baikal in 45-70 S X S, or a H&R Buffler gun. Well, typical LeBaron's had almost nothing in stock. I decided to look at the 1895G. I hate a curved grip on a Winnie-style lever gun, but the G is straight grip. The finish was much nicer than what I'd seen a year or so ago. the metal work is quite good, wood to metal is excellent, the trigger is very crisp and smooth, I'd guess somewhere around 4 lbs let-off. The chekering is not bad, as sacrilegous as it is. The wood finish is quite functional. The action is nice, and will undoubtedly get better over time. Some of the metal edges are a little sharp, but that doesn't bother me. Whoever designed a lever-action with a recoil pad should have their testicles removed with a teaspoon, but then, it will probably be appreciated down the road. I looked at 3 of them, and they were all quite good. Can't wait to go try it in the Spring.
Now, the big decision will be - do I get new (UNCHECKERED) wood and a traditional buttplate, or leave it as is and scope it or put Firesights on it. I'll decide after i try it. But I have to say, I love the feel of it. It's almost like a toy, it's so short, light and handy. Once I try it, I'll post results.
In conclusion, if anyone is considering Marlinton, it might be worth giving them a second look. And the guy at the gun counter says that the last few batches they got were much better than a while back. Mind you, you won't be getting a Winchester, but you'll be paying less than half the price, too.
Now, the big decision will be - do I get new (UNCHECKERED) wood and a traditional buttplate, or leave it as is and scope it or put Firesights on it. I'll decide after i try it. But I have to say, I love the feel of it. It's almost like a toy, it's so short, light and handy. Once I try it, I'll post results.
In conclusion, if anyone is considering Marlinton, it might be worth giving them a second look. And the guy at the gun counter says that the last few batches they got were much better than a while back. Mind you, you won't be getting a Winchester, but you'll be paying less than half the price, too.
