Reliability of big bore scout/guide rifles

[arthury]

How reliable are the big bore scout/guide rifles? I am looking into the Marlin 1895 series in 45-70 Govn't caliber. Can these rifles withstand a decent amount of range practice and carrying in the deep woods? Any QC issues with the current new ones?

 

[rcmodel]

There are still 100+ year old Marlin & Winchester lever-actions around still going strong today.

They were the equivalent of a AK-47 of 100 years ago, and are noted for going, and going, and going.

Your shoulder will give out well before the rifle does.

There have been some quality issues reported with the plant move to Remington a couple of years ago. Plus production is slowed or stopped right now so finding a new one is hard to do.

I'd look for a real nice used one if it was me.

rc

 

[arthury]

Have they resumed the production of their Lever Action rifles?

 

[RPRNY]

There have been serious QC issues with Marlin products, and H&R products, following their acquisition by Remington and manufacturing consolidation in Ilion. So much so that, as referenced above, there was a stop in production while they studied the issues and planned for rectification. I understand that process has taken place and that they are producing again. Whether that process has resolved the issues, I can't say.

I would purchase a pre 2007 Marlin in 45-70 without reservation. I have a 1907 1892 and a 1968 336. They were great rifles and the AK comparison above is spot on.

 

[jmr40]

Lever's are generally reliable, but the simple fact is this. A lever action is the most complex, least reliable, least rugged, weakest, and least accurate of all repeating actions. There is simply more to go wrong. They have more places for dirt and debris to muck things up and have one of the worst designs to provide any leverage to get sticky cartridges out. Especially when shooting any hotter rounds like typically used in such rifles.

The name "guide gun" is a good marketing scheme, but you won't see many real guides actually use them. They will be carrying a quality CRF bolt rifle. It can be lighter, more compact, shoot much more effective rounds, with 1/2 the recoil of heavy 45-70 loads. They will be far more reliable, cost less and every bit as fast for aimed repeat shots. Anyone who says different has watced too many John Wayne movies.

For the record I've been hunting and shooting a Marlin 45-70 since 1976. I use it because I like it, not because I think it is better. 36 years of use have shown me what actually works best. If you like a guide gun and want to hunt with it that is fine. Just understand your options.

 

[geologist]

My 2000 era 1895 GS has been very reliable, even in the heavy rainy bush of BC.

I make sure that all of the screws are tight at the start of hunting season and it never gives me any problems.

 

[Badlander]

They are unreliable! My 1950 336 Broke the ejector after only 60 years of use. Cost almost $15. to fixthe thing!

 

[arthury]

[...]
The name "guide gun" is a good marketing scheme, but you won't see many real guides actually use them. They will be carrying a quality CRF bolt rifle. It can be lighter, more compact, shoot much more effective rounds, with 1/2 the recoil of heavy 45-70 loads. They will be far more reliable, cost less and every bit as fast for aimed repeat shots. [...]

Thank you for chiming in.

Could you kindly recommend a couple of calibers for these less expensive quality CRF bolt rifle that can achieve the same effectiveness for very large and dangerous mammals? Which brand are you referring to?

 

[Alaska444]

Today, 04:01 PM #7
Badlander
Member


Join Date: March 14, 2008
Location: South Florida
Posts: 802
They are unreliable! My 1950 336 Broke the ejector after only 60 years of use. Cost almost $15. to fixthe thing!
__________________
We have room for all of Alaska's wildlife. Right next to the mashed potatos.--- Sarah Palin

+1 Badlander. Too bad it only lasted 60 years. You should get your money back. Do you still have your receipt?

 

[batmann]

Only 60 years? That is the reason for lifetime warranties----LOL

 

[tahoe2]

never had a Marlin lever that didn't perform flawlessly, currently own a 1983 Marlin 375, also have a 1951 Savage model 99 in .300 Savage,
I am the fourth owner, and it has hunted for three generations before me with nary a bobble. I'll take a levergun anyday!
My bolt guns are "controlled round feed" mausers (5 of them), the youngest is from 1952, the others are older, they also perform flawlessly.

What is the minimum "caliber" to consider it a big bore?
I would not feel undergunned with my 8mm's or my .375 winny

 

[ExAgoradzo]

I think Badlander and I would get along fine just about anywhere! LOL!

 

[velvethunter]

The name "guide gun" is a good marketing scheme, but you won't see many real guides actually use them. They will be carrying a quality CRF bolt rifle. It can be lighter, more compact, shoot much more effective rounds, with 1/2 the recoil of heavy 45-70 loads. They will be far more reliable, cost less and every bit as fast for aimed repeat shots. Anyone who says different has watced too many John Wayne movies.

This is true in my experience. While lever guns are great and plenty reliable, after half a dozen hunting trips to Alaska and having several personal friends employed as guides there, I've yet to see an actual guide using one. Most of them use CRF rifles 338 or larger, and I was surpised to see how many use the ruger #1 in 375 or 416.

 

[Robert]

I love my 1895G. It is a great rifle and I have yet to have any issues with it what so ever, though it is a late 90s or early 2000s rifle. I shoot everything from powder puff factory cowboy loads to hard hitting hand loads and it has been nothing but flawless. I really like the short barrel for hunting in thick brush where the barrel of a standard rifle would be a short coming. And for a 45-70 lever gun it is really rather accurate.

There is no "one" gun for everything. For thick brush, dense woods or for ease of packing in and out it is tough to beat the 1895G. Call it gimmicky marketing if you want, but it works. I'd not trade mine for anything.

Now that being said it is a 200y rifle at max, even with a 4x scope. Which is why I bought a Winchester M70 Safari Express in 375H&H. If you want a rifle that will take all but the largest game on the planet it is hard to beat a 375H&H. I would not take Elephant with it, but anything else would be fine.

 

[Badlander]

I love my 1895 GS. Hot 45-70 handloads bring A big smile. It's A win win!

Highly recomended!

 

[Hizzie]

Why not get a nice .458WM/Lott bolt action? Really easy to down load ammo to 45/70 levels. Uses the same bullets to boot. The CZ550 holds 5 down +1 in the pipe. Lots of used (barely) .458's out there.

 

[wwace]

I wouldn't hesitate to shoot an Elephant with mine! (Model 70 375 H&H)
I love it. Other than that I totally agree with JMR, get a good CRF bolt gun in 30-06 or up and your all set for North America.

Also there are plenty of shorter barrel options for bolt guns like the Ruger Alaskan 375.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Some people claim that the 1895 has a weak ejector. If I was going to use it for a brown bear. Hunt I MIGHT replace it, otherwise keep it as is.

I have shot several 1895 models. I would recommend not getting the variation with the ported barrel. All it does is make it noisy and give the elements another access point to your barrel.

 

[jeepnik]

Reliable - yes, within the ability of man to make anything completely reliable.
Accurate - yes, within the ability of man to make anything accurate.

With that said, mine has had everything from blackpowder "cowboy" loads to Garrett/Buffalo Bore stuff thru it. But, I've put well over 1000 rounds of handloaded, hardcast stuff thru it. Nothing has broke, yet, except me shooting the Garrett/Buffalo Bore stuff. That stuff is definitely for limited use only when you get to be my age.

Now I did change three things. One piece firing pin, Bear Proof ejector, and a Happy Trigger. None of the original parts broke, but I found these three things, especially the trigger made it run smoother.

Oh, I did remove that stupid safety button. Damned lawyers.