Best Bang for Your Buck: 45/70

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WonderDavid!

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I was wondering what is the best 45/70 rifle for the price. I have a Handi rifle but that was more just to test the waters. I like the caliber and am thinking about an upgrade. Leaning towards the Marlin 1895.

Thanks.
 
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same amount of money could get you into a Contender/Encore...and if you didn't like it there then you would have options to get other calibers. :)
 
I have an 1895 gbl marlin. I chose the gbl because the laminated wood is nicer than the new cheap looking walnut also it comes with pachmeyer deceleration recoil pad. Another advantage is that the gbl has a pistol grip that absorbs recoil better than a straight stock. This being said the Henry 45-70 has a much smoother action. Either are nice. The Rossi doesn't have enough cost savings over the two mentioned to be worth saying I have a Rossi. Prolly great guns though.
 
I really like the 1895 Cowboy model. It shoulders and balances much better and quicker than you'd ever expect from a 26" octagon barrel.

The modern 1886's are another step up, in refinement, strength, quality and price.
 
I've had the opportunity to shoot two different Marlin 1895 .45/70s that have been made within the last year.
Have to admit, I'm impressed.
One of them was scoped and shot a couple of the brands of factory loaded rounds into somewhere near golfball sized groups at 100 yds.

"Handy rifles" aren't at all a good example of rifles, regardless of caliber.

Encore would likely be at least in the Marlin accuracy category, but .45/70 screams lever to me.
Single shot or lever?
Your call.
 
Don't overlook the Henry. I have examined two different specimens and their actions are much smoother than the Marlin and I could find no fault in them. If I were in the market for a big bore lever gun I would look at them hard.
 
WonderDavid: ((( IMHO ))) You just can`t beat a Marlin 1895 COWBOY Model with the 26 inch barrel in 45-70 caliber. My Son and I both shoot one these rifles. I really belive I can get on target faster with this rifle because, when I bring it up to my shoulder, my sights are usually dead on the target and it makes a great snap shooter for me. This rifle also carries very well, and I never get tired out by its weight. It also makes a great just walking around rifle, at least for me any way. But I have always prefered a long barreled rifle over a short barreled carbine.
ken
 
T/C Encore Pro Hunter

It is a sweet shooter. Then, if you get bored of 45-70, buy yourself a different barrel.
 
I just bought an H&R Handi-rifle in 45/70 from Dick's Sporting Goods for $199 plus tax. It has a hardwood stock and rifle sights. Initial accuracy with cast bullets has been vey encouraging. It's hard to imagine a better bang for the buck than that.

I owned and then stupidly sold an 1895 about 20 years ago. It was a fantastic rifle, but I don't hear good things about the new ones. I like the way the Henry loads from the tube like a 22 instead of a loading gate.
 
The 1895 is a good lever action, not true to the original Marlin 1881 (the FIRST lever action 45-70) but a good rifle.

Personally, I would get a Springfield Trapdoor Rifle. They are found around the same price and being original, hold their value well. Everyone I have shot or been associated with is accurate enough for hunting and some are good target rifles also. It is always nice to have a bit of usable history.

Kevin
 
cpt-t said:
WonderDavid: ((( IMHO ))) You just can`t beat a Marlin 1895 COWBOY Model with the 26 inch barrel in 45-70 caliber. My Son and I both shoot one these rifles. I really belive I can get on target faster with this rifle because, when I bring it up to my shoulder, my sights are usually dead on the target and it makes a great snap shooter for me. This rifle also carries very well, and I never get tired out by its weight. It also makes a great just walking around rifle, at least for me any way. But I have always prefered a long barreled rifle over a short barreled carbine.
ken
Click to expand...
Does the cowboy have an octagon barrel or a regular one?
 
StrawHat said:
The 1895 is a good lever action, not true to the original Marlin 1881 (the FIRST lever action 45-70) but a good rifle.

Personally, I would get a Springfield Trapdoor Rifle. They are found around the same price and being original, hold their value well. Everyone I have shot or been associated with is accurate enough for hunting and some are good target rifles also. It is always nice to have a bit of usable history.

Kevin
Click to expand...
I would rather be able to reload to the higher level.
 
I love my Marlin 1895 - it is pre-Remington (bought in 2001) and it shoots and handles well - Mine is the "standard" 1895 with 22" barrel. The GG versions are also quite handy and don't give up much MV with the 45/70 cartridge - but I cannot stand rifles with muzzle ports - considerably louder - and that was how they were configured. The increased weight of the extra 3.5" on my standard 1895 helps a little bit with taming the recoil of some of my warmer loads, too.
 
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