I have a memory of a Chinese surplus 45-70 bolt action rifle,,,

[aarondhgraham]

Back in 1975-76 I was a staff sergeant in the USAF,,,
I was sent on a TDY to an 18 man seismic detachment in Pinedale, Wyoming.

The Airmen there had a legitimate USAF sponsored Rod & Gun Club chapter,,,
They could order rifles from dealers and distributors for their members.

While I was there one Airman received a massive bolt-action rifle chambered in 45-70 Government,,,
I remember him saying that it was a recent surplus import from China.

He showed me a write-up on the rifle in one of the NRA mags,,,
It was American Rifleman if I recall correctly.

Anyways, my memories of this rifle are about 45 years old,,,
I've tried Googling it but haven't come up with a single useful article.

Everyone at the detachment got to fire a few rounds from the rifle,,,
I remember it had a lot less recoil than my Springfield Trapdoor 45-70.

Anyways, does anyone have any solid information on this rifle?
It's driving me crazy that I can't find out anything on it at all.

I am certain I'm not dreaming this up,,,
I just can't find it.

Aarond

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[fireman 9731]

There were some Siamese Mausers that were converted to 45-70. Some were done by Navy Arms, and some were done by gunsmiths. They had a slanted magazine that fed the rimmed rounds. Same action as a Mauser 98.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

That's most likely what is was. Those things could also be loaded up close to .458Winchester Magnum velocities.

 

[dahermit]

There were some Siamese Mausers that were converted to 45-70. Some were done by Navy Arms, and some were done by gunsmiths. They had a slanted magazine that fed the rimmed rounds. Same action as a Mauser 98.

Yes...I remember those Siamese Mausers. The orginal chamberng was for a large rimmed obsolete Siamese cartrige. And yes as I remember, Navy Arms was converting them to 45-70 and selling them in the U.S.

 

[gotboostvr]

Yup, I've been keeping my eye out for one for awhile. They do show up from time to time, but never when I had the cash to splurge.

Very strong actions.

 

[aarondhgraham]

Siamese,,,
Not Chinese.

As soon as I Googled "Siamese Mauser + 45-70" I got several good hits,,,
And yes the info on several sites confirms that they were converted to 45-70 by the importer.

Thanks gentlemen,,,
I knew I wasn't totally out of my mind.

Aarond

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[Japle]

I built a rifle chambered for the .450 Marlin on a T/C Venture action. The cartridge is very similar to the 45-70, but rimless, so it feeds better in a bolt gun.
The hottest load I've tried so far pushes a 350 gr Hornady at 2211 fps - not too short of the same bullet in a .458 Winchester with the same (18") barrel length.
The only loads I've found in the loading manuals are for lever guns which aren't anywhere near as strong as a modern bolt action.
So, if you're interested in a powerful bolt action rifle with a big hole in the front end, consider the .450 Marlin.