Marlin 1895

[kdcarlson]

I am thinking about getting a Marlin 1895 in 45/70 for hunting.
Does anyone know what the difference is between the standard 1895 models and the 1895XLR besides barrel length?
Does barrel length on these guns make a big difference in performance?
Can you use any 45/70 ammo in the XLR that you would use in the other 1895's or are you limited to the leverevolution ammo?

Thanks for any help..

Dave

 

[mrshish]

The XLR is for use with the Leverevolution ammo but can also feed standard rounds. The Leverevolution allows the bullet to be taken to a point without detonating the rest of the rounds in the tube.

The 45/70 isn't a great long range hunting round but it's got the power to stop anything out to about 100yrds. Beyond that is when the pointed bullets start to really help. If they are the same price I would go with the XLR since it adds flexibility.

I have a 1895G with the short barrel and it's fun to use. For hunting it's best in heavy wooded areas since the big bullet doesn't get knocked around much. I like the shorter barrels myself because I'm never going to use it as an extreme long range rifle and the length helps where speed is important like with bore.

 

[richardsoll]

I think that the xlr also has a different rate of twist to help optimize the performance of the leveroution bullet. I went with the short guide gun, because imo it will never be a long range gun, no matter what you feed it. So its just ment to be my brush gun, and I love it, one of the funnest guns I own. But i have other gun choices when I get out in the open.

 

[Winchester 73]

The rate of twist is the same in the XLR, 1:20.
The XLR can be had in a 24 inch barrel.
I have the 1895G Guide Gun(18 1/2" barrel) like richardsoll and mrshish and feel its all you need for those 100 yard and less brush shots.
A great fun gun and with Garrett Hammerhead 415 grain loads will take any animal on the NA continent.And probably anything in Africa too.
Recoil can be a bear so a good butt pad(like Pachmayr)is a must.Any 45/70 ammo is a go in the XLR to my knowledge.

 

[kdcarlson]

Thanks for the info and opinions.
I can't say I've ever hunted an area where you could take much over 100 yard shot and I wanted a gun that will knock down larger game on the first shot. I've seen too many deer with heart/lung shots from a shotgun slug run 100+ yards. I'm not interested in tracking a moose and especially not a bear..

Does that mean an 1895G can't use the leverevolution rounds. I was under the impression that you could feed those in the "standard" 1895's kinda like I use the leverevolution 30/30 rounds in my Winchester 30/30.

 

[Winchester 73]

kd,the 1895G will happily digest the Hornady Lever Rev rounds.
If you buy this gun,I guarantee it will make you happy!
If you have good shot placement, you will never have to worry about tracking down the biggest game with this wonderful rifle.
Trust me.

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

The guidegun is great.

 

[flatdog]

Hello kdcarlson,

As far as LeVeRevolution ammo in 45-70 goes make sure you read the box. It seems that Hornady had trouble with their powder supplier. So the marked velocity for the 45-70 on the box I have is 1875 fps at the muzzle as opposed to the advertised 2050 fps.

Hornady 45-70 Govt

325 gr. Evolution

LOT#: 3070342

That brought my plans to test it for use in my Guide Gun to a screeching halt. Shots around here can vary from short range thick brush, to 200 plus yards along an open power line.

I bought that box several months ago, and I don't know if the situation has changed since then.