Marlin 45-70

[jmorris]

Factory ammo out of mine is not too bad but I wouldn't call it a pinker due to cost. If you cast and reload it can be cheap and fun.

Loaded at pressures the Marlin can withstand it kicks harder than my 50 BMG. Just shooting a 3 shot group will leave a bruise on an unprotected shoulder.

 

[aHFo3]

Sorry about the Buick - that's aggravating!

The downside to the laminate stock is the checkering. I picked up a GBL a couple months ago and was really disappointed by their new "machine cut" checkering method. It wasn't sharp, and it looked as though a remedial high school wood ship class attempted the project with old butter knives.

I sold the GBL and got an 1895g. The checkering was just as bad. I plan to sand it down to smooth and refinish the wood - I couldn't do that with laminate.

 

[AK103K]

I got back into 45-70 when I inherited my dads old Ruger #3 in the caliber. I used to hate the thing as a kid growing up, because it was so brutal to shoot. My dad didnt reload, and I dont think I ever made it through a box of 20 factory ammo, even as an adult.

I was going to get rid of it, but figured Id see if I could come up with a plinker load for it, since I do reload. Now that the cowboy shoots have been around for awhile, and its a popular round, there is a lot of info available. I settled on a hard cast 300 grain LFP over 14.0 grains of Trailboss. Its a whole different critter now, and an all day blaster.

Soon after I figured that out, I got a Marlin Guide Gun. Both are now two of my favorite rifles. I dont hunt much anymore either, and most of my shooting with them is paper blasting, but even with the reduced load, that 300 grain bullet is still running around 1200fps and generates almost 1000 foot pounds of energy, and Im sure would be fine for the whitetails around here.

As I just hate recoil pads, and prefer a shorter LOP, I took the pad off my GG, and its now an even sweeter shooter, and with the load above, still an all day shooter. Even with heavier loads, I find the shorter LOP allows me to better shoulder the rifle properly, and deal with the recoil better than the gun with the pad mounted. Its more like shooting the old military rifles I learned on, and still shoot today. I actually much prefer a properly stocked rifle with a checkered steel butt plate over anything most of the makers offer today stock wise. For me, they are usually way to long for any kind of practical shooting.

 

[MCMXI]

I like the laminated stock on the SBL and the checkering is fine for me. Some have stated that the forend is too "fat" but I think it's perfect. I'd LOVE a quality synthetic stock though. Overall the SBL is one heck of a rifle and one that I'll never part with.

 

[itsa pain]

My Marlin 45-70 Guide gun is a pussycat. That said, I have tried a few handloader's rounds that did wake me up. But even that was nothing compared to a Marlin chambered in 450 Marlin, that was crazy.

If you do get a 1895, seriously consider the Wild West Guns trigger happy kit, it's a high value upgrade IMO.

A hot loaded 45/70 will thump you just like a 450 Marlin. You can load the 45/70 the same and can pass the 450 if you like pain

 

[cpt-t]

76shuvlinoff: My Son and I both shoot a 1895 Cowboy 45/70 with a 26 inch barrel. And we think they are just great. I reload for 45/70`s and use 35grs of IMR3031 with a hardcast 405gr LRNFP bullets at about 1200 to 1300 fps. This is our Cowboy load and is very comfortable to shoot all day. But I use this load to hunt with also, shot several pigs with it and always got full penatration. I shoot steel at the Cowboy shoots out to 200 yds with out any real problem if I just do my part. The pigs I have shot with this Rifle and Load have been between 50 to 100 yds, and are usually DRT. I have never had one go more than 25 to 30 yds shot with this load. I just turned 70 yrs old in Oct and am getting more recoil senceity all the time, but I can still shoot this load as much as I like with out any problem. I don`t hunt much any more either, but I can carry this rifle with out any problem on walks in the woods. The 1895 Cowboy in 45/70 is just a great gun to shoot and have fun with IMHO.
ken

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Thank you gentlemen.
I have carbines, both lever and semi auto. Maybe it's time for long gun.... but that extra 9.5 inches of barrel and mag sure is salty!


Mark

 

[MCMXI]

I sold my XLR with a 24" barrel since it offered very little velocity increase over the SBL with its 18.5" barrel. I couldn't justify having both so sold the JM marked XLR and got back all of my initial investment and more. Those Cowboy models are nice but I like the compact model more.

 

[AK103K]

I like the compact models better myself too. I just wish they offered the Guide Gun with a full magazine. I just like the looks better, and I believe its an extra round.

Ive seen one model that looked to be just what I want, but it seems to be discontinued (of course), and is also commanding a pretty big premium if you can find one.

 

[MCMXI]

The GBL and SBL models are Guide Guns with full length magazines and pistol grip stocks. I like the straight stock on my 1894s but much prefer the pistol grip stock on the 95s. The pistol grip puts my wrist in a more natural position which is important for me when shooting powerful cartridges.

 

[Deog]

SBL and GBL are 6 in the tube plus 1. Standard guide gun is 4 plus 1.

 

[osteodoc08]

If you plan on reloading then go for it. If not, get a pistol caliber lever action in 38/357. "Cheap" 38 special WWB can still be had and it doesnt kick that much. I prefer a true Marlin, however, consider other brands. Some are very servicable and are available currently.

 

[Deog]

/\ jm stamped 1894's in .357 and 44 mag are not as easily available as you think. If you find one, snap it up.

 

[76shuvlinoff]

If you plan on reloading then go for it. If not, get a pistol caliber lever action in 38/357. "Cheap" 38 special WWB can still be had and it doesnt kick that much. I prefer a true Marlin, however, consider other brands. Some are very servicable and are available currently.

I already have a couple 39As and 79 Marlin 1894c in .357, it's a beautiful carbine. I am looking to stay in the Marlin family (emphasis on Marlin) but move up to the bigger brother.

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Ok I lied, another question.
I can't seem to find out how long the 1895 Cowboy or the 1895 GBL has been in production. Anyone have a source?

Mark

 

[22plinker]

Marlin only?

This could be a poor suggestion if you are dead set on Marlin. I have a grand time shooting my H&R/ NEF 45/70 Buffalo Classic. I managed the recoil with a 3/4" copper tube of lead in the action bolt hole as well as a leather lace recoil butt pad .It is heavy now but handles recoil very well . I am 72 and it doesn't bother to shoot a lot with it .
All that aside, I'll have a guide gun in 45/70 when I can afford it. lol

 

[76shuvlinoff]

I readily concede there are many quality rifles out there but I am kinda set on another Marlin lever. The search is 1/2 the fun.

 

[artee]

To me, and maybe because I haven't shot factory level 405's in forever, the Marlin '95 is the full equal of my 12ga Ithica Deerslayer with Win 1 oz fosters. It's about a second year production with straight grip and 22 inch barrel. I'm usually using either 48 or 52 gn of IMR 3031 with a 300 and occasionally 400/405 jacketed. The 48gn/300's are about at 300 factory spec. I seldom shot more than 10 rounds in an outing and then switch to various '06 case size rifles. I've had it for 30+ years though, so there's a lot of lookback even if I didn't go through boxes of ammo in an outting. It's a microgroove barrel and that type is fine for factory loads but not so good with cast. It can shoot cast, and does very well, but you need to look hard for an oversize .460 ish mould. When the engineers designed their .45 microgroove specs I think they really screwed the rifle and shooting world over.

 

[redbullitt]

i did not read all the posts…

BUT I do love some 45-70. I would encourage you to start reloading if you get one. I can load powderpuff trail boss loads for the girlfriend and if I want to headbang a little I bet you can heat it up a good bit beyond that slug gun of yours… at least if feel that way haha.

Reloading supplies can be had. The brass lasts A LONG time unless you are hot rodding it (which is quite uncomfortable lol). My current brass group has 12 firings on it fwiw.

The rifle is a newer Marlin/rem GBL. It took a while to find one that passed my inspection. This one I would call an A minus specimen. XS Ghost ring sights made a big difference. I can easily shoot 1 inch groups rested at 50 yards with factory 325 hornady loads. This loading smacks deer, HARD, if you are into a bit of brush hunting. Accuracy at 100 yards with my cast bullets is between 1 and 3 inches usually with me shooting off a rest.

Most of the time I shoot a mild cast load from my guide gun. Fairly mild recoil, 1400 FPS 405g bullet. It will thump things even at that lower velocity. You could probably shoot clean through a respectable tree with a nice hard cast load at that velocity lol.

I saw you asked about barrel length. I am totally happy with my 18ish barrel. No regrets or want of a longer one.

 

[bikemutt]

Here's my guide gun conversion. Ordered the SBL laminate stock from Marlin, found the pistol grip tang with lever on gunbroker.com, hired a great gunsmith.

This is by a wide margin, my favorite gun. The SBL does carry an extra round in the tube but I could not find an SBL to buy at the time so, had to roll my own.

 

[76shuvlinoff]

bikemutt
Now that's a truck gun on steroids. Good job!

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Draggin this one back for yet another question.
If the barrel has the JM stamp it is a pre Remington rifle?
I found an 1895CB with a JM stamp but the seller says it's a 2009.

Thanks
Mark

edit: The search function indicates the JM stamp means assembled and proofed in Conn. not necessarily pre Rem. There were some heated discussions on it. Since I can't handle and inspect this rifle I am wary of it.