Views on the current line-up of compact 45/70 levers

gdawg

gdawg

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I know this is raised a fair amount and i have read some good opinions and reviews but I figured I would ask to see if there was anything i am missing. sorry for beating this one.

I'm in the market for a 45/70 with a 20" barrel or shorter. What is the consensus (or opinions) on the current crop of 45/70 lever guns? I see Chiappas, Henrys and Marlins and they all look not bad too me, but there are lots of mixed reviews. A sales guy told be to stay away from newer Marlins and was nudging me towards a browning BLR 450 which I'm really not interested in. I've handled the 1895 SBL and GBL which seemed ok but have no way to handle the Chiappa or Henry so those would probably be special order.

thanks
 
I would pick up the Marlin SBL if you like the gun with one condition: you are able to handle the gun and check the fit and finish before buying. I have found a couple of the SBL's I've owned had very stiff actions, minor poor finishing details while the third was was very smooth and appeared well built. Still not a JM stamped gun, but it will do.
 
I have a new Marlin stainless guide gun '95 from the period when they were getting poor reviews for quality. Finish and function are perfect, the fit of the buttstock to receiver is just OK. No real problems and I'm satisfied.
 
I've read that a lot of retooling last year has improved the quality of the most recent Marlins considerably, here's hoping that's the case. I'd do as vancouverbc suggests. ..
 
I had an pre-marlin 1895gbl that I sold to a very good friend, I replaced it with a stainless Rossi Rio Grande and I like it because it is a little lighter and the recoil does not seem bad to me.
 
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