Rossi or Marlin 45-70?

[Archangel14]

Gents:

Looking to obtain a defensive lever action and am eyeing the 45-70. Big bullet, many sizes and recipes. It can deliver a big load with much punch in many configurations. I was originally thinking .44 mag, but I think the 45-7- better fits my bill.

My question has to do with the rifle to choose. I'm looking at either the Marlin in 18.5 inches (either the Guide Gun or the 1894) or the Rossi Rio Grand with a 20 inch barrel. Which one? Please don't recommend the Winchester or an older Browning. I'm looking to buy new and am looking at the specified models. Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[mdauben]

Looking to obtain a defensive lever action and am eyeing the 45-70. Big bullet, many sizes and recipes. It can deliver a big load with much punch in many configurations. I was originally thinking .44 mag, but I think the 45-7- better fits my bill.

I'd actually probably go with the .44 magnum levergun for SD/HD, but if your heart is set on .45-70 my first choice would be a Marlin 1894 Guide Gun. Just be sure to inspect your selection before purchasing, as there are still nagging reports about QC problems in Marlin guns.

 

[ClickClickD'oh]

Pre-Remlin guide gun

 

[ronto]

For HD, why would you want a 45-70 or a 44 magnum for that matter? The most popular and effective HD long gun is a 12ga pump shotgun.

 

[Archangel14]

Okay, let me be more specific: As a "defensive firearm" I'm not really speaking of household defense; meaning a scenario where I am firing in my living room at an intruder in my kitchen. My purpose is to defend against the armed looters coming down my road after a major disaster, as we now have going on in NY and NJ, and of which our traitorous media is purposefully refusing to report. So yes, I want a 45-70, and no, I do not want a .44 mag. Thus we don't need to discuss that.

Also, I will be purchasing a NEW rifle, as indicated in my post. So references to used or "pre"-whatever don't help us. Rossi or Marlin in 45-70. I do appreciate you advice.

 

[ClickClickD'oh]

Rossi or Marlin in 45-70. I do appreciate you advice.

The honest advice is a pre-remlin guide rifle. Rossi is... well... Rossi. And Remlin is.... well, Remlin. If you want to get the full potential out of the .45-70 round, Rossi is right out the door, Marlin is the only choice. And when you see Marlin rifles next to Remlin rifles, you'll understand why the Remlin isn't a choice either. In this instance, buying the used (or shelf queen) rifle is really the better choice. My family has several Marlin rifles, including a .45-70 guide gun we call The Hoginator. The Remlins in the stores really, really don't stand up.

Trust me on this one.

 

[AJumbo]

The great thing about a 45-70 is that the even the "trapdoor-friendly" 405 gr loads are horse-stoppers, let alone man-stoppers, and would be my ammo of choice for SD/HD if all I had was 45-70. I must second those who urge you to seek out a good, used Marlin from the pre-Remington days. I would consider a longer rifle than the Guide Gun, if only because of the greater magazine capacity. I have no experience with the Rossi, but have yet to see a Marlin get worn out from shooting.

 

[joecil]

Well if you can't get a Marlin pre Remington the get the Rossi. I did and very pleased with it as fit and finish was perfect and don't see the need to shoot a shoulder buster as it will stop pretty much anything any of them will. The Rossi is also lighter than the Marlin or Remlin in 20" at least it was than the two I looked at when I bought the Rossi.

 

[Archangel14]

Okay, all of the advice seems good so far. But the wall I've run into appears to be an unwillingness or inability to address what I'm asking. I've gotten some insight, but I'm still a bit confused. So here's the parameters of my inquiry:

1. I will be purchasing a NEW rifle. Thus, any discussion concerning the purchase of a USED rifle isn't really helpful. In fact, it avoids the topic. I don't even know what "remlin" means. Let's not talk about any used rifle, because I seek a NEW rifle.

2. I am interested in either a NEW MARLIN or a NEW ROSSI in 45-70. I won't even consider a different caliber. References to .44 mag, shotgun slugs, Dark Age cannon balls, or 120 mm Howitzer rounds won't help my inquiry.

3. That's the issue: pro and cons of a NEW MARLIN or ROSSI in 45-70.

I value all of your experienced opinions.

 

[Anger]

Were saying buy a USED jm marlin.

 

[rjlt162]

Can't speak to Rossi or post Remmi Marlins. However, I do have a 2007 Marlin 1895 guide gun in stainless (no regrets on the stainless) and am very pleased with this gun. Have a Leupold 3.5-10 VX-3 scope in silver on the rifle and it functions great and looks good with the stainless package. Can shoot Remmington 405 gr. soft nose all day as they are low power designed not to blow up old trap door 45-70 rifles, can shoot a box or two of the Hornady 325 gr FTX LEVERevolution flex tip ammo - accurate and plenty of punch, and then drop in a full tube of Buffalo Bore 350 gr. JFN and let the fun begin (your shoulder will let you know how much fun you are having) - fully capable of dropping any critter in North America, DRT. Post hurricane zombies will fall from the roar of the blast and the breeze that blows by them. Seriously, a heavy lever action exudes a presence that has an old west intimidation factor not to be discounted. Cocking a heavy lever rifle conjures up images of Chuck Conners defending the homestead.

 

[jgiehl]

Just a heads up to "maybe" another option.....
Henry rifles now makes .45-70's

 

[Atracksler]

I understand that you are looking at a new gun. My brother in law had a 45-70 on his to get list for a while. He paid for a new marlin 3-4 months ago, and it was ordered. The gun store told him that the 45-70s were backordered. He waited and waited. 3 weeks ago, I was in a gun shop and saw an older marlin, it was everything he wanted (except the large loop), and in stock. He put it on hold, sine he couldn't get down that day. He also called marlin to see if and when his new gun would arrive. He found out that they aren't making them right now, and they couldn't tell him when they would be. He went to the store, and told them that he was torn between the new gun yet to be built, and the older gun that was available. The sales person took him over to the new marlins, and showed him the difference in fit and finish, it was night and day between the new and old marlins. They looked similar on first glance. When you held them, thre was no contest, the older one was far and away superior. The metal to wood fit was better, the machining was better. There was no comparison.

I personally had been looking for a big bore lever, and ended up getting an older marlin 444. It is excellent.

I am not sure why you are averse to buying a used gun, they generally area better value, and in the case of the marlins, a superior gun. They are certainly available, and do not command a premium over the new ones ( unlike a pre AMF Harley, or pre CBS strat) the used marlin was @ 150 less than the new one...

That said, I have completely ignored your question. I have not ever shot a Rossi, or a new marlin. If you have to get one TODAY, and that is why you are looking at new ones, they will both go bang when you pull the trigger, and the guy on the other end won't care which it is. I would say buy the cheaper one and spend the balance on ammo and range time.

If it were me (and it sort of was with my brother in law) I would be patient and look for the older marlin. It is in a totally different class than either new option.

 

[joecil]

In that case since buying new go with the Rossi. I compared mine to new Marlins (now made by Remington) and they just aren't up to the Marlin standard in my opinion. Wood didn't fit tight to the frames, action felt like it had sand in it.

My Rossi was smooth in the shop with perfect fit and finish. Once I bought it and took it how I dismantled it and cleaned the factory grease out. I also checked the internals for any fluff and buff it might require. I found two minor problem the neither of which took more than a few seconds to fix. One was the loading gate which was very tough to push a shell into but a little trimming and polishing fixed it. The other was the carrier had a slight burr on the edge which took about 2 passes with fine sand paper. The rest was perfect and looked like it had already been done.

I might add the Rossi also had the scope rail mounted, as well as the big loop. It was $437 plus 6% sales tax out the door while the Marlins where $690 and $730 plus tax out the door.

 

[Toml]

Two things to consider:

45-70 is not a particularly flat shooting round.
The load out on ammo is going to slow you down considerably.

 

[Archangel14]

ALRIGHT!! THANK YOU!! Got some of the advice I was looking for. It appears that Rossi is presently making the better product. It appears that an USED MARLIN is desirable. But between the two NEW guns, Rossi seems top get the nod.

NEXT QUESTION: Does either rifle produce more felt recoil? I was advised that the shape of the Rossi stock really relates to more felt recoil.

Thanks!

 

[joecil]

Other than the Rossi being a little lighter the shape of the butt stock with the factory rubber pad isn't bad depending on your load. Thought there are some loads I wouldn't want to shot for a bench. It is nothing like the Rossi 92 with the C shaped metal plated butt stock. One other note on the Rossi is there are no hammer extensions made for it like the Marlin however it isn't necessary since their hammer is wider at the back and not a problem pulling it back with a scope mounted. Also a metal magazine follower is available from http://www.thesmithshop.com/magfollow.html I know since I had him build mine custom for me and he is now making a limited run to see if the interest is there.

 

[Badlander]

Of the 2 new rifles I would choose the Marlin. I would not buy one sight unseen. Then check it carefully before buying it. To many problems with them but some are leaveing the factoy properly built.

I think you have A better chance of getting A good gun in the used market. If you ever want to sell it(It happens) It will be easier to sell with the JM stamp on the barrel. It will be A while if ever before Remlins will be trusted.
Good luck with your choice.

 

[Dr. A]

I would take even a Remlin over a Rossi, as I prefer the Marlin's extra steel around the areas that count, and current new production guns are looking better than even last year's version. I have 3 Marlin 45-70's and would consider a Rossi, but I don't want to have to reload for a totally different bullet fitting as well as the lack of real Walnut. The SBL my friend has been recently firing at my farm range is recent manufacture, and is perfect. Rossi's are smooth, though not without their problems as well. They are a copy of the 336 Marlin, and not the 1895.

Not that it matters here, but I did buy a new Rossi 92, and have had problems with horrible barrel constrictions and a rough bore. I had to do extensive work to smooth up the action. Again, Marlin is not immune to this, but I've never had a problem of this magnatude. My Marlins are all pre-Remlin.