Anyone own a Marlin 1895 45-70?

[Averageman]

I have been looking at these for the last couple of days.
I have considered this as my next rifle purchase, but after checking Marlins website; prices new and used and Wild West Guns I wonder about getting a good used one and doing the mods myself might be the best way.
I like the 1895SSBL, but cant justify the price compared to getting the basic model and doing the mods myself.
What I would like is
Six shot capability
ghost ring sites and a high viz front site
good low power scope
really nice recoil pad
flashlight mount that I can turn on and off at the foregrip
oversized cocking lever
Anyway Gentlemen, what are your suggestions and lets see the ones you have Modified for yourself.
Inspire me to open the wallet and release the Moths.

 

[H2O MAN]

Mine is at Clements Custom Guns getting some work done, including a +2 mag tube extension. Before you ask... the suppressor is for my M14s and AKM

 

[MCMXI]

Averageman, I have one word for you ... INCREMENTALISM.

My advice is to buy the 1895SBL since it'll cost you less, a lot less than modifying a standard Guide Gun incrementally. Think of all the features that you'll need to add/swap to convert a standard Guide Gun to an SBL.

Wild West or DRC big loop lever = $140
XS ghost ring sights with lever rail = $150
Pistol grip stock ?
Longer magazine tube ?

You'll still "need" to add a Wild West trigger and bear-proof ejector regardless of which model you buy.

Anyway, here's my Guide Gun with the following added features:

XS lever rail and ghost ring sights
Leupold Mark 4 1.5-5x SPR
Warne QR rings
Wild West trigger and bear-proof ejector
Long Hunter one-piece firing pin and safety delete screw
XLR pistol grip stock
DRC stainless steel magazine follower
DRC big loop lever (pending)

I'm not going to bother with a magazine tube extension unless Marlin makes them available. The SBL tube holds ONE extra round i.e. five vs. four so I don't want to pay a gunsmith an inordinate amount of money for that feature although it's aesthetically appealing.

 

[floridaboy]

1895

I have an almost stock standard model. The only mod I've done is install a Lyman peep sight. No aperature screwed in, use the whole hole. If you try it like this, I seriously doubt you'll change it. Accurate, dependable and very hard hitting. 405gr. Remington soft noses at 1800 fps really knock critters for a loop.

 

[Asherdan]

Joe over at Real Guns has been going nuts with articles on some of the things the OP mentions lately. If you like to do things your ownself, take a read through the front page articles and the project archives and you'll get all sorts of ideas on what can be done (and one guys answer to how) with an 1895 or 1895G.

 

[Badlander]

I have An 1895 GS with XS scout mount and A weaver 1.5x4 Handgun scope.With A Skinner peep sight comming soon. I don't see that it needs anything added beyond that. I have many guns but it is my favorite.

 

[Publius1688]

I have a 1895G, stock out of the box. Love it just like it is, although I may be getting a Lyman peep for xmas....

 

[2dswamp]

Anyone know when the 1895SSBL will be available and what it'll cost?

 

[MCMXI]

Anyone know when the 1895SSBL will be available and what it'll cost?

It's been available for a while although not easy to find. You can order one from places like Impact Guns for around $850 NIB.

http://www.impactguns.com/store/026495018238.html

On a side note, why anyone would order a firearm from Gallery of Guns (Marlin links to them from their website) is beyond me. Their prices are among the highest on the internet.

 

[Averageman]

Well Thanks Everyone !
1858, I have several months to look here on the 'Net for a deal before I come back to the States, but what you said makes a lot of sense. Wild West trigger and bear-proof ejector will be first.
My intent is to find one used (1895SBL) and go from there. This may not be easy, but I have time to look.
AsherDan; I have been looking at what Joe has been doing and at Wild West Guns also. Thats part of what inspired me to go this route. Thanks for the great links.
Keep it comming guys, all the help you give me is greatly appreciated.
Thanks Again

 

[kragluver]

I have an 1895 rifle (22" bbl) with the XS Sight Systems rail and an inexpensive red-dot sight. For back-up iron sights, I removed the rear tangent sight and installed a Williams receiver sight. The front sight was replaced with a Williams Fire Sight. Given that the .45-70 is not likely to be used at hunting ranges much over 100 yds (not that it doesn't have the killing power - the trajectory and accurate range estimation make it problematical), I think the red dot and aperature sight are a good setup. I wouldn't put much magnification on that rifle, if any at all.

 

[H2O MAN]

kragluver I think the red dot and aperature sight are a good setup. I wouldn't put much magnification on that rifle, if any at all.

Agreed, the Leupold FX-II 2.5x28mm IER Scout is about all the magnification you need.

 

[Daniel B]

My 1895G is back at Marlin getting an issue fixed. The last round hangs up on the loading gate. ultimately causing a Marlin jam when I cycle the lever.

When it does come back I plan on throwing a simple peep or ghost ring sight setup on it. Right now I'm leaning toward the XS ghost ring set and adding the wings to the rear sight for some extra protection. Since my Marlin is scheduled for delivery today I'll more than likely change my mind on the sight setup once more before I get it back in my hands.

I don't mind the standard buckhorn sights. Not my favorite but I can still maintain good grouping with the stock sights. I want the receiver mounted sight for a longer sight radius.

 

[shooterer]

I have an 1895GS. The only thing I added was a Brockmann rear peep sight. I was going to add a XS rail and a FX-II scope, but..... I decided to build a different scout rifle and leave this as the fine working Spartan tool that it is.

Jim

 

[Robert]

I have a bone stock 1895G that I absolutely love. I do not shoot it enough to need to up grade it in any way, though I should shoot it more. I need to work up some good hand loads. Factory ammo is terrible. I would like to add a tang sight and a different trigger but that is about it. I really want the 1895 Cowboy...

 

[Averageman]

Dan B. How was the return service? I think you are the first person I have heard of having a problem.
Thanks

 

[Daniel B]

I called Marlin up after giving up on the rifle properly feeding the first round. They said they perfer to have the rifle in their hands to diagnose a problem and fix it. She said just ship it in with a letter in the box stating the exact problem and my return address and contact numbers.

I threw it in a box that CMP ships their Garands in(Nice thick foam protection) and went to the UPS store(Marlin prefers UPS) and shipped it off. The rifle is scheduled for delivery today. I'm hoping to get a call before the end of the week.

 

[HiroProX]

I own a Marlin 1895SSBL. I love it, as it has four things I'd been looking for in a rifle...
Lever action, carbine length, .45-70 chambering, and a very nice set of iron sights.

As for price, I paid $750 for it.

 

[rogertc1]

You will find once you buy one they will multiply.
Here's mine that I upgraded them with sights, Bear Proof extractor, happy trigger, large loop lever (on one), aluminum mag follower,polished the bolt and innards.

Forget to say I deactivated my safety with an O ring.

 

[Daniel B]

I purchased a 336W that I found in a Pawn Shop a month before I mailed the check to the owner of the 1895G. Both guns were in perfect condition for an exceptional price.

I find myself eyeballing a 1894C now.

 

[beachwalker]

I bought a new 450 Marlin Guide Gun with a Leupold (sp?) scope 8 years ago at Bass Pro Shop in Missouri. Still have box it came in, box of ammo, case etc. It's never been fired. Be interested in trade for a handgun, or over/ under shotgun if interested.

 

[Averageman]

PM me if you like Beach Walker, details and a Picture, set a price for me in $ as I am out of the country and can't return to set up a trade.
I am sure I can work something with you.