Marlin 1895 Cowboy - Any reason not to?

[420Stainless]

I've wanted one ever since this version was introduced. Only trouble is I've never seen one at a LGS or gun show around here to see and handle. I've struggled greatly to resist the temptation of blindly ordering one. Something about nine rounds of 45-70 just lights my fire.

Well, today the local Sportsman's Warehouse had one on the rack. I looked it over and love every inch of it except for a rack ding on the top rear of the stock. Felt like a wonderful rifle and seems to fit me well. It will be a week before I have the funds to purchase it, but when I can I'll return and hope it is still there. Not sure if Sportman's Warehouse will reduce the price due to the minor damage. If they will offer me a deal I'll almost certainly pick it up, if not, I've now seen enough to feel comfortable ordering one.

In the meantime, I have a week to solicit opinions and would greatly appreciate any input from those who have had the opportunity to shoot one.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

A friend of mine has 2 of the Model 1894 Cowboy rifles, one in .357 Mag and the other in .44 Mag. I have shot both and they are outstanding rifles so I see no reason why the 1895 would be too. I like the "Cowboy" way of having your carbine and revolver chambered in the can caliber. If I were to buy one it would be a .357 since that's the caliber of the 4" revolver I own. I doubt I'll be getting one soon since I would rather a Model 336SS in 30-30 instead.

 

[byf43]

I have the 1895CB.

Granted, I've not been able to shoot it, yet, but, I've got one in the safe.
(Been leary of shooting anything with stout recoil since I broke my neck.)

When I work up a load for it. . . . it's gonna happen. I really like those octagonal barrels!!!!

 

[420Stainless]

ArchAngel,

Just what I needed - temptation to buy not just one, but two new lever guns. I have actually given quite a bit of thought to a pistol caliber rifle. If the 45-70 doesn't turn me off, I may very well begin the search for one in .45 Colt or .357 shortly thereafter to front my revolvers.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

A man after my own heart, when you can't decide... BUY BOTH!! LOL

 

[MechAg94]

I haven't shot mine as much as I would like, but I love it.

 

[VA27]

I've shot one and I really liked it. With factory duplication reloads it's like shooting a big ol' 22! The extra weight at the front keeps the muzzle rise to a minimum and recoil is mild. You're right, there's just something about having nine rounds of 45/70 at your fingertips. I got a Guide Gun when they first came out. If I'd known that there was gonna be a CB version I would have waited.

 

[RyeDaddy]

I have one and LOVE it. The recoil is stiff to be sure, but it's worth it. Something about old school tech in a 45 package. My brother briefly had an 1894 Cowboy in 44 mag, and neither of us liked it as much as the old 45-70. The long barrel on the 1895CB helps alot with sighting for me. Mine always gets alot of looks and admiration at the range. Another plus is that you can hunt just about anything that walks the earth with the correct ammo, making for a very versatile rifle indeed: http://www.garrettcartridges.com/dooleyelephant.asp

As for your original question, the only reason I can see NOT to get it is that it may prove just to be too awesome of a rifle for some people, but I suspect that not to be the case for you, as you appear to have exquisite taste.

I've attached a pic a of my hunting setup. It's a terrible pic, but I'm limited by file size.

-Sean

 

[Dr.Rob]

I've never gotten better than 2.5 inch goups or so with one but I bet I could if I scoped it.

The CB models don't have sling swivels or saddle rings, so you'll have to decide for yourself if it's worth carrying it in the woods all day. Filled up with 9 rds of 45/70 it's a heavy rifle.

It's definitely 'enough gun' for most anything in North America.

 

[Fosbery]

I don't own one but I've used one several times. Great fun to shoot, smooth action, reliable and all that. No reason not to

My only gripe was the smooth grips, I prefer chequering.

 

[420Stainless]

"Dr.Rob - I've never gotten better than 2.5 inch goups or so with one but I bet I could if I scoped it."

Being a somewhat casual shooter, I only get that kind of grouping from open sights on my best days. Using a bolt action 30-06 that is scoped, but also has open sights, I average around 1.5 MOA with scope and 4-5 MOA without.

Other than recreational shooting, the 1895CB would only be used for deer stand hunting, or perhaps to take a black bear if I ever get ambitious enough to plan a hunt for one. I'll self-impose a 100 yard limit for hunting purposes. With the '06 over the years I don't think I've taken a shot over 80 yards from the stands I use. We have a local Cowboy Action Club nearby that I plan to visit over the winter. Is the accuracy good enough for the distance shooting in these events should I get the bug?

 

[dmftoy1]

I've got one and love it. I just finished loading another 200 rounds for it as the last batch went pretty quick. If you don't reload the 45/70 ammo can be a bit pricey, but that's really no reason to not buy one.

I've been arguing with myself whether to put a tang mounted peep on it. I love the way it shoots now but really like tang mounted sights.

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[Dr.Rob]

420 Keep in mind I'm not bragging about my shooting, I'm talking about seeing how the RIFLE shoots off a bench, and taking my time to do my best... hardly the same as snap shooting at game.

With a scoped rifle I have often brought home 1/2 inch groups, but it takes a lot of practice to do it consistantly.

 

[Dionysusigma]

How does the recoil of one of these compare to, say, a Yugo M48 Mauser? I need a cowboy cannon in case I come across a "damthing"...

 

[Richard.Howe]

I couldn't think of a good enough reason not to...so after many years of wanting one, I jumped when the right deal came along. The gun was sent for a major rework (it had been abused) including refinishing and installation of a Marbles tang sight. There's a custom sling being made for it right now at Pistol River Leather in Meeker, CO. It's an awesome rifle...now you just have to dream up something to do with it -- it's hardly a day-at-the-range plinking rifle.

I think mine has an black bear's name written on it one day.

Rich

 

[jcord]

I was looking at them for a long time. After handling the cowboy and the guide gun, I went with the guide gun. I am a rough country hunter and although that beautiful long barrel appealed to me the weight and handiness of the guide gun won me over.

Enjoy your new purchase.

 

[MechAg94]

Never fired a mauser, but the 1895CB is a heavy rifle so the recoil is less than say a K31.

 

[420Stainless]

At last

Events prevented me from purchasing the 1895CB I was chasing at the beginning of this thread. That rifle had dissappeared by the time I got back to Sportsmans Warehouse and I didn't really have the funds since to look again.

This week I was at the LGS on an unrelated matter and noticed a long barreled lever action on the rack. Sure enough, another 1895CB and a bank account with the stimulus payment just deposited. Looking forward to going retro on the deer this fall with the 45-70.

 

[Matt-J2]

Hooray for happy endings, even when they take awhile longer than planned.