[guitarguy314]

Hey guys!

I am looking to buy a 45/70 lever action rifle, but I don't know what to get. I have heard used Marlin's are my best bet, but are there any others?

As a first time rifle buyer, is there anything I should know/look for?

Note: I have shot a 45/70 before, and my dad has a few .22's, so I have a little experience with rifles, just not a ton.

Thanks guys,

Lucas

[MachIVshooter]

There are others, but the Marlin is the gold standard. They are the toughest lever action you'll find South of 4 figures.

[guitarguy314]

How old of a marlin should I look for? I heard that newer ones have quality control issues.

[CraigC]

The 1886 is the strongest, smoothest and most refined levergun available. They are also commonly found under four figures for used guns. Look for Brownings and late model Winchesters. I passed on a really nice used Browning last year for $750. Marlins are good guns as well.

[grubbylabs]

No amount of internet hype will replace hands on inspections. I fondled several Marlins before I found one I was happy with. You should cycle the action a few times and in general get a feel for the gun and its fit and finish before you buy. I found that quite a few of the guns I inspected were very stiff. Its hard when you are getting a new style of gun you are not familiar with, but with a little research and effort you should find something worth buying. I personally am very happy with my Marlin. However with any thing, there would not be this much hype if there were not some truth in there somewhere.

[clocker]

I fell in love with a Marlin 1895SBL and had to take it home as my first lever. If you want to go a little older style, Marlin had a 45-70 in their guide gun which was also very nice.

If you are into reloading, you'll notice three different loads
1. 1873 Springfield Trapdoor - lightest
2. 1886 Winchester and 1895 Marlin - pretty stout
3. Ruger no. 1 and no. 3 - Big thumper

Make sure that you work the action and also check the brand forums for additional information. Buying new is probably your best bet for a first rifle, but you'll probably find the best deals and the best quality on the used market. In general people don't put a lot of rounds through 45-70 rifles :) Oh and pick up a box of Hornady Leverevolution if you want to have some fun :evil:

[guitarguy314]

I have been looking at the Marlin 1895 cowboy model. Is this a good gun? How much should I pay for it? I saw one on GB for 700 (at least that was the bid).

I did notice however, that it was a side eject.

Anyone know who makes a lever action 45-70 that top ejects?

[StrawHat]

I have been looking at the Marlin 1895 cowboy model. Is this a good gun? How much should I pay for it? I saw one on GB for 700 (at least that was the bid).

I did notice however, that it was a side eject.

Anyone know who makes a lever action 45-70 that top ejects?
The Winchester 1886 and copies of it, eject out the top of the action.

[grubbylabs]

The cowboy is a good gun it is a side ejection, most people prefer it over a top ejection. In my area 800 bucks will buy you one if you can find one, and they are hard to find.

[critter]

Awesome game getter is that 45-70. Mine is a Ruger #1 though.

[joecil]

I recently picked up a Rossi Rio Grande in 45-70. Excellent fit and finish on the exterior and nearly perfect on the inside with no machining marks and one minor burr that took a pass with some metal polish to remove. Only other problem was very hard loading door but also easily fixed. Nothing else required to do on mine and bought new in the box at Bud's for $437 + 6% sales tax out the door. Added a Bushnell Banner 1.5 - 4.5 x 32mm scope..

[Rexster]

I love my Ruger No. 1 .45-70, but then, the OP probably wants a lever-action repeater. If a single-shot is OK, the Ruger No. 1 is pure elegance, with a stock design that mitigates recoil well. (Beware the similar-looking No. 3; I read/hear its stock can result in brutal recoil.)

[jgiehl]

I have a Marlin and love it. But Henry now makes a .45-70 and that little guy has piqued my interest.

[T.R.]

Rossi Rio Grande is a keeper!

TR

[CraigC]

That Henry .45/70 is even uglier than their other ugly rifles. Who is in charge of designing that stuff???

[musicman10_1]

I have only seen the Henry .45-70 in their catalog (looked a little rough). I have tried to find it on the shelf of my local Henry dealers and at gunshows but it does not seem to exist in my world.

I have a Marlin with a JM stamp on the barrel and I like it a lot. I do like the SBL version of the Guide Gun and would not hesitate to buy one if I could get my hands on it for an inspection to insure that none of the reported problems with new factory assembly were present.

[Hit_Factor]

Marlin would probably fix any assembly problems for free, even if you are not original owner. Maybe give them a call and ask, this could could you more options.

I have a 1895 Guide gun for hunting, being a Marlin I can reload them hotter. But not as hot as the gentleman with the Ruger #1 who posted earlier.

Sent by someone using something.

[Cocked & Locked]

Marlin Guide Gun is a great choice...at least I think so. :scrutiny:

This is one the earlier ones that has the factory ported barrel. Some folks say the noise from the ports make it unpleasant to shoot as compared to the non-ported later ones. I've not found that to be an issue.

I've never heard the BANG when shooting at a deer. For fun shooting I use muffs anyway.

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2169/3082611/17383006/393403309.jpg

[cpt-t]

guitarguy314: My Son and I have 3 Markin 1895 CW`s between us, and have had them for quite a while. Bought all three of them used but they were in like new shape. We don`t buy a lot of new guns. They are our Cowboy Action big bore lever guns all have the 26in barrels on them. But I use mine to pig hunt with when I think the shots will be 150 yds or less. We have several Marlin Lever Guns from the 22lr 39-A`s to a 450 Marlin Guide Gun. We have never had a problem with any of our Mariin`s. We thank the old Marlins are the best choice for us. Always on the look out for a nice used one, and we are going to look at one this weekend. The 3 1895`s I spoke of are all in 45/70 we reload for this caliber and you can load it light for comfort or you can load it where I find it is getting uncomfortable to shoot very many time in a row. But with the 45/70 you can hunt any thing on four legs with the right loads, and the Marlin will shoot any factory load I have tried. And normaly if I shoot something with my 45/70 Marlin the animal with be DRT or with in a few yards of where I shot it. If I were you I would look for an old model Marlin that says JM on the left side of the barrel just in front of the the reciver. If I could help you in any way, it would be my pleasure.
ken

[guitarguy314]

Thanks for all of the replies guys!

I know I want a 45-70 lever action. But I keep looking, and it's hard to choose.

I'd like to stick with a well known company like Marlin, Winchester, or Browning. No offense to rossi, but I'm not really counting them as an option.

The guide gun seems weird to me. I think just because the magazine tube stops before the barrel does. I would prefer a rifle that has a capacity of at least 6 (the 1895CB boasts 9...that's a lot). I also really like checkering on the guide gun. So, I'm conflicted. Shorter does mean easier to shoot... But I hate how obtrusive the butt pad looks. I'm sure it helps a lot with recoil, but I really wanted something with a minimal or no pad.

All blathering aside...

CPT-T Thanks so much! I will definitely pm you soon.

[snakeman]

Marlin for sure bud. I prefer the plain 1895 but most favor the guide gun.

[CraigC]

I love how the Cowboy feels and balances but I really think the standard 1895SS is the best configuration Marlin offers in the chambering.

[grubbylabs]

I bought a regular 1895 and had a mag tube extension put on it. For less than 150 my smith was able to buy the tube from brownels and do all the smith work. it now holds close to 10 if I remember correctly. I might be able to post some pics today if you want.

[eastbank]

my first year marlin 1895 made in 1973 with ther serial number B001920, and its a deer killer.and my 1973 marlin 94 in .44mag sporter, they look alot alike with only the lenth of the action and calibures being different. eastbank.

[Frosty Z06]

I've got the cowboy with the Octagon Barrel. I believe it's a 9 shot. That is the primary reason I got it, well that and the VERY long barrel. Glad I didn't get the guide gun. Love the look and the barrel length!

[rodinal220]

Older Marlins. Remington Arms Company in December 26, 2007 entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Marlin Firearms Company, Inc. ("Marlin"). Guns after 2008 "can" be suspect in QC,especially after Marlin workers found out that the Marlin plant was to be shut down and operations moved to Ilion NY.
Guns closer to the move date and those coming out of the Remington plant are the most suspect.

I recently examined several 336 30-30s and 35 Remington's and several new 45-70 GG and they were terrible in fit and finish.The walnut is almost dry looking and void of any life. Numerous gaps in wood to metal fit. Numerous tool marks and amateurish fitting of simple parts.

[guitarguy314]

Thanks for posting the pictures eastbank. Those sure are pretty. Did you do anything to the stocks, or did they come that shiny?

Frosty Z06: That's the one I was looking at getting. It is calling my name. How is the recoil? How is the weight? What year is yours? Do you mind if I ask you where you got it and how much you paid?

rodinal220: I have heard that about Marlin's before. My problem is, that unless by some miracle a pawn shop gets one in, I will have to order from Gun Broker. I'll be careful about those dates. If they started making new ones, do you think that they would be okay?

Thanks guys!

[krinko]

Just to keep the 1886 in the picture, so to speak...

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL165/1109208/8312249/402961733.jpg

Got this Browning at an Omaha pawn shop for $700---it's the rifle I wanted in 1966, but could not find. Sort of a bucket list thing.
-----krinko

[gunner69]

If you plan on mounting optics go with one of the Marlins, if your are going to shoot irons the Browing/Winchester/Taylor 1886 style action. You won't find a smoother action than the 1886. Try some of the Hornady leveralution (sumpin' like that) loads and you will be ready for whatever shows up.

[guitarguy314]

Krinko: Whoa. That browning is a beauty. How many does it hold? Any idea how much a used one would go for today?

Gunner69: I don't plan on scoping mine at all, but aren't winchester's and browning's really expensive nowadays? Never heard of Taylor.

[CraigC]

Modern Winchesters and Brownings do cost more but they are also much better built guns than Marlins. You will not find a better made levergun. They are already drilled & tapped for a receiver sight. Like I said before, I passed on a really nice Browning 1886 SRC for $750 last year. Which is in range of a Marlin 1895 Cowboy model.

[shafter]

That Henry .45/70 is even uglier than their other ugly rifles. Who is in charge of designing that stuff???

Probably someone who thinks that if they use enough shiny brass people with think it's a decendent of the original Civil War era Henry.

[CraigC]

Methinks that's what they're banking on. Few look deep enough to find out that the current Henry Repeating Arms company has nothing to do with Benjamin Tyler Henry. Even so, all he really did was improve the Volcanic design for Winchester.

[eastbank]

guitarguy, a light coat of howards wax-n-feed and hand buffed,i use it quite a lot on my rifle and shotgun stocks. eastbank.

[guitarguy314]

Well guys, you've convinced me. My goal is a browning 1886. I have a few questions though. I'm probably going to have to buy from gunbroker. A search for browning 1886 reveals seven rifles that are way out of my price range, and one at 1100. Keep in mind I don't mind a used gun, as long as it works and looks nice. How much should expect to pay ?

Also, I don't actually want an antique gun. How long ago did browning stop making them?
(sorry if this is a dumb question)

[gunner69]

If you can find one get the Browning modern rendition, a second choice would be the Japanese made Winchester model. Note that Jap Winchester added a tang safety, which is o.k., based on their lawyer(s) safety recommendation. I like my Winchester, but would have liked the Browning a lot better. Try Ebang.com, Guns America, as well as Gun Broker. I have seen new, and as new, 1886's for around $1,000 - $1,000 and Good Luck.

[guitarguy314]

Thanks gunner69, and happy thanksgiving!

How do I tell a browning modern rendition from an old one? (besides price?)

Thanks, I haven't heard of those first two!

[CraigC]

The Browning will be marked "Browning" and the original will be marked Winchester. It will probably also cost twice as much. I agree that the Brownings are the best of the bunch, being of a traditional action without a goofy safety. Although those late model Winchester Extra Lights really call to me.

[guitarguy314]

I agree, those lever gun safety's seem silly. How long ago did they stop making these rifles?

Extra light?! on a 45-70? Ouch.

[CraigC]

I think Browning stopped producing the 1886's by the 1990's. In this case "Extra Light" is a relative term. It still weighs about 8lbs. ;)

[guitarguy314]

Okay, so not too old then. Thanks

Oh, I see. haha

[krinko]

"Krinko: Whoa. That browning is a beauty. How many does it hold? Any idea how much a used one would go for today?"

The rifle has a 26" full octagon barrel and the tube holds eight rounds.
I got the thing this year for the $700 I mentioned.
I failed to mention, however, that one of the other regulars offered me $1000 for it, as I headed for the door of the shop.

And it was made by Miroku in Japan, just like the Winchester 1895 Saddle-ring
Carbine I bought this October.
There is no safety on the Miroku '86, just the regular half-cock.
-----krinko

[guitarguy314]

So guys, my research has confused me. What is the difference between the saddle ring carbine, and the regular lever action? What is the difference between the winchester 1886 and the browning 1886? Is a grade 1 rifle just a mint condition one? I need schooled. Thanks for the help guys. ((Also I apologize for resurrecting the thread))

[DMH]

I'm no expert, but hope this will help. The Browning and Winchester 1886 rifles are very similar. With the differences being in the safeties, when present and date of manufacture along with where they where made. The Browning 1886 for the 1990's has no tang safety, the Winchesters early ones from Japan also had no tang safety, then later ones where equipped with the tang safety. I also think Browning may have released a model 1886 in 1986 as a 100 year special run. Those also I believe would not have a tang safety. If you go used and find an original Winchester 1886 those where made in USA up to 1932. Saddle Ring Carbines (SRC) are shorter 20" Barrels, but I have never seen a 1886 SRC, but who am I to say. The Winchester 1985 was available in SRC, but that's a different rifle. The Marlin 1895 is also different. Here are some photos to help.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-flM4gwBYZdc/UJbmcOCQ2LI/AAAAAAAAB98/fsDXZNZoWgs/s720/IMG_1891.JPG
Winchester 1886 in 45-70 half cock safety.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RlAi1ClnMLc/UJbmgMnzmfI/AAAAAAAAB-s/SLnWN9S9E8I/s1152/IMG_1897.JPG
Winchester 1886 in 45-70 half cock safety.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_wFo77NsV20/UJbmZSGgW0I/AAAAAAAAB9U/dmCRMuNNHsA/s720/IMG_1886.JPG
1895 Winchester made in Japan w/tang safety.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bQriORPhMXU/UJbmMHnkJ7I/AAAAAAAAB6I/5fBw3k8NXZc/s1152/IMG_1854.JPG
Winchester SRC 20" Barrel in 30-30.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZJWJfG-e9DY/UJbmEd-E7WI/AAAAAAAAB4g/8PQ14PZvFW0/s1152/IMG_1841.JPG
Winchester SRC in .32 Winchester Special.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-spCSmuPgeKY/UJbl1QdbruI/AAAAAAAAB1U/FoAcrHPzGV0/s1152/IMG_1816.JPG
Marlin 1895 in 45-70 with cross bolt safety.


DMH

[DurangoKid]

The Browning Mdl. 1886 was made in a limited number of rifles and SRC Mdls. The Mdl.1886 Brownings did not have the "Idiot" switch on the tang. The Brownings and Winchester were both produced by the Japan contractor to Browning for shotguns etc. The Browning and Winchester Mdl.1886 is the best lever action 45-70 ever produced then or now. I have a Mdl. 1886 SRC that has served me well for many years.

[DMH]

Thanks Durangokid and I stand corrected, the 1886 was available as a SRC and some SRC's even had 22" barrels. So lots of options out there.

DMH

[CraigC]

All the Brownings and late model Winchesters came from the same factory, Miroku of Japan. All are superbly built rifles. All Brownings had a traditional half cock action and no external safety. All late model Winchester have the tang safety and rebounding hammer.

The Brownings were produced as a saddle ring carbine. The difference being the carbine specific buttplate, the forend band and barrel band. Along with the saddle ring. As stated I believe the barrel length was 22". A rifle will have a 26" octagon barrel, forend cap, dovetailed magazine hanger and a crescent buttplate. This are the quintessential differences between leveraction rifles and carbines. Barrel length is irrelevant in distinguishing between the two.

The late model Winchesters have been made in many more configurations. The Extra Light is a rifle configuration with a shotgun style buttplate and short magazine. I believe they have also made 20-22" "short rifles" with octagon barrels and rifle features. For a general purpose using rifle, I would choose the Extra Light.

[guitarguy314]

Thanks for the clarification!

Ideally, I want a browning 1886. As I said before, safety's just seem silly on a lever gun.

CraigC: Are you saying that the brownings were produced only as a saddle ring carbine, or was there also an actual rifle model?

[Limey46]

Yes, Browning marketed a Miroku-made 26" octagon-barreled model with a crescent buttplate, etc., as well as a 22" saddle-ring carbine. The 26" Brownings are the hardest to find of all the Miroku 1886 reproduction guns, the Winchester Extra Lights the easiest.

I second the info CraigC posted, by the way. That's all correct according to what I know.

[DMH]

CraigC, Just a dumb question, but I have a 26" barrel rifle and it does have a saddle ring. It has an end cap on the forearm, and no barrel band. I've always thought of it as a rifle, but would it be called a carbine due to it's butt plate and saddle ring?

David

[CraigC]

Are you saying that the brownings were produced only as a saddle ring carbine, or was there also an actual rifle model?
No, they were produced at least as a 22" SRC and a 26" octagon rifle configuration. Originally, a saddle ring could be ordered on anything and carbines were not the only configurations to carry them. They are just typically seen on carbines. So the saddle ring does not really differentiate between a rifle and a carbine. It's everything else.

It has an end cap on the forearm, and no barrel band. I've always thought of it as a rifle, but would it be called a carbine due to it's butt plate and saddle ring?
If it has a forend cap and dovetailed magazine hanger, it should also have a steel crescent butt plate. As opposed to a carbine style buttplate.

[guitarguy314]

Thanks again for the clarification. I'm sure I'll have more questions when I get closer to being able to buy the darn thing. haha

[Sav .250]

There are others, but the Marlin is the gold standard. They are the toughest lever action you'll find South of 4 figures.
Listen to him!

[SwampWolf]

I'd look for a Model 1886 "Extra Light". I've got a Jap-made (Miroku) Winchester that I like a lot. I installed a Williams "FoolProof" receiver sight on it and have been well-pleased with its perfomance, both in terms of its accuracy and reliability. The rifle is nicely finished and the workmanship is impeccable. Yes, it has the oft-criticized tang safety but that's not a big deal for me.