Which 45-70 lever action?

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guitarguy314

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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
 
How old of a marlin should I look for? I heard that newer ones have quality control issues.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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:
 
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?
 
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.
 
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.
 
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..
 
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.)
 
That Henry .45/70 is even uglier than their other ugly rifles. Who is in charge of designing that stuff???
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.

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

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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!
 
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