So do I really need a 45/70 Lever Gun to add to the stable?

[Navy87Guy]

I had a Marlin 30/30 and while the "cool" factor was there, I hardly ever shot it. So it went away.

I'm at the point where I'm really not interested in adding new calibers to my collection. Rifles in .308, .223/5.56, 7.62x39, and .22 LR. Handguns in 9mm, .22 LR and .45 ACP (excluding my MILSURPs). If a gun isn't in one of those calibers, there needs to be a darn good reason for me to add it.

 

[WisBorn]

I kick myself for getting rid of my 1886 Winchester 45/70. It was a lot of fun to shoot and hunt with.
As a THR enabler- buy it!!!!

 

[small town life]

My 1st 45-70 came via 4H raffle. Well I can't just have 1, so I bought a 2nd 45-70 (different model, same brand). I've heard they kick.......well not any more than a 308win. My 14yo loved pumpkin kaboom day. I reload and even reloading for it isn't cheap (bullet wise).

 

[CraigC]

I really like the cartridge with a few caveats. I'm one of those nuts that views it as a proper dangerous game cartridge with the proper loads. Or it can be as mild as you like or anywhere in between. That said, I would not own one if I did not reload. I also would not own one if all I was going to hunt is deer. For deer sized game, there are traditional cartridges that to me are far more appropriate to the task. If you want a mild, straight .45, a 250gr cast bullet will penetrate end to end on any deer that walks and the .45Colt will do that job. For more range, cartridges like the .30-30 and .38-55 will give you that with less recoil.

If you're still set on getting one, I have two basic ideas. If it's going to wear an optic, it will be a Marlin. If it's going to be iron sights only, a modern 1886.

They are a niche rifle that fills a void between most lever gun rifle cartridges (.30-30, .35 Rem, etc.) and “bear stoppers” like a 12 ga slug.

If bear is on the menu, I'll take the .45/70 any day of the week over a shotgun slug. A 400gr .458 will smash bone and penetrate far better than a 400gr 12ga.

 

[FL-NC]

The rifles and ammo are expensive. The 45-70 offers tremendous terminal performance. I have no need for that level of power, especially at that cost. Contrary to popular opinion, these huge calibers are not needed for wild pigs- they get killed around here in large numbers by 223 and/or whatever gun a deer hunter happens to have when one is seen. When I was hunting black bear in Maine, the guides said traditional calibers normally used for deer are more than adequate (308, 30-06 (which I used) 270, 30-30, etc.). I suppose if I was anywhere close to brown/grizzly bears I may consider getting a 45-70, but I am nowhere near them down here in gator country. Where we kill gators with spear guns. I would be a no, but if you just want it, go for it.

 

[hoardingthemanual]

Yep. A sweet shooter too.

 

[someguy2800]

I wouldn't recommend a 45-70 to anyone that doesn't reload. A 44 magnum would be more satisfying.

 

[Riomouse911]

I really like the cartridge with a few caveats. I'm one of those nuts that views it as a proper dangerous game cartridge with the proper loads. Or it can be as mild as you like or anywhere in between. That said, I would not own one if I did not reload. I also would not own one if all I was going to hunt is deer. For deer sized game, there are traditional cartridges that to me are far more appropriate to the task. If you want a mild, straight .45, a 250gr cast bullet will penetrate end to end on any deer that walks and the .45Colt will do that job. For more range, cartridges like the .30-30 and .38-55 will give you that with less recoil.

If you're still set on getting one, I have two basic ideas. If it's going to wear an optic, it will be a Marlin. If it's going to be iron sights only, a modern 1886.




If bear is on the menu, I'll take the .45/70 any day of the week over a shotgun slug. A 400gr .458 will smash bone and penetrate far better than a 400gr 12ga.

“Bear stopper” was just a reference to the pilots who often tote a 12 ga survival gun in light planes in case they go down in the back country. I, too would prefer a more suitable round like my 405 gr JSP loads if hunting a big, toothy critter is on the docket.

Stay safe.

 

[doubleh]

Since you feel the need to ask my answer would be no but I enjoy helping other people spend their money so if you want it go get it.

 

[.308 Norma]

if you just want it, go for it.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

I briefly had a 2006 Marlin 45-70 and it was cool as heck, but I sold it as I didn't really like shooting it a lot as it was just too expensive even with reloading for it since good 458 bullets aren't cheap and also I have a Remington 870 so I'd rather just shoot some slugs out of that...

You can cast excellent bullets for the .45-70 at pennies per bullet. The mold for the LEE 405 grain bullet is very inexpensive. But...if one "hates" to reload, they will hate casting bullets even more. I don't really hunt or plink with my JM Marlin, (did get one deer with it) but I'd never sell it, and it's my favorite rifle for berry-picking in grizz country.

One inch at 100 yards, 80 grains Swiss 3fg Black, and the Speer 400 grain JSP.

 

[bigpower491]

To answer the question..........Yes you do

 

[.308 Norma]

One inch at 100 yards, 80 grains Swiss 3fg Black, and the Speer 400 grain JSP.

Real nice, Ugly Sauce! What kind of sight is that you have on it? That's some good shooting.

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

About 10 cents for powder
10 cents for lead (I have about 500 pounds that cost me nothing)
6 cents for a primer (I have lots of them that cost me 2 cents)
Brass lasts foreverrrrrrrrrrr

 

[lightman]

45-70? Sure! Lever gun? Maybe, depends on your preference. If you like levers, go for it.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

Real nice, Ugly Sauce! What kind of sight is that you have on it? That's some good shooting.

Thank you, that's a Williams. Yes, I was "on" that day. That rifle has always been very accurate. Was sighting it in that day for that load. Group #1 and #2 were sight adjustments two shots was telling me where she was looking, #3 was where I wanted it. Point of aim was just below the blue. That's also the load for my Trapdoor rifle, in the carbine I use the 405 cast and 72 grains of Pixie Dust. I set up the Marlin for black powder as I don't want any smokeless loads around that might stray into either of the Trapdoors.

 

[WisBorn]

Reloading is a hobby of its own. I never started reloading because of the time commitment.
As far as shooting goes. Speaking from experience, shooting a 45/70 is normally not a high volume round. My typical session was no more than a box of twenty.
Yes, it can get expensive, but so can shooting a couple of hundred rounds of 5.56 in a session...

 

[bbqncigars]

As far as ammo goes, "expensive" is relative. Factory ammo for any of my centerfire lever guns (25-20, 38-55, 45-70) looks spendy until it's compared to feeding my 50BMGs. Heck, I actually enjoy spending quality time casting or reloading.

 

[Riomouse911]

Since you feel the need to ask my answer would be no but I enjoy helping other people spend their money so if you want it go get it.

Enablers Unanimous here at THR can be tough on the wallet sometimes

Stay safe.

 

[TTv2]

I know a lot of people love the .45-70 lever rifle, but I've never seen them as some godsend that must be owned, but I have always been fond of a single shot .45-70. If a powerful lever action .45 is wanted, the .454 Rossi is hard to beat considering it'll hold twice as many rounds.

And really, who is launching 500gr slugs out of the .45-70 that often? A 300gr bullet doing 2000 fps will kill just about anything you can reasonably shoot at. If there is something that requires the penetration of 500gr of lead, then buy a Ruger No. 1 and load it HOT and the job will get done.

 

[Chuck R.]

When I read these sort of threads, I'm often reminded of this scene from "Second Hand Lions":

But, hey, IF you've got the disposable income.. why not?

 

[Telum Pisces]

Bigger question is why you don't already have one? Everyone that is into firearms should have at least one!

I know you said reloading is the devil to you. But 45-70 is one of those rounds that you can load mouse farts on the low end and also load it to knock your teeth out.

And there's just something about having a big ole 45-70 round that can take down any critter in North America and even stand with the rounds used on African game. All in a compact lever gun! And it's just cool to have. So tell me again why you don't have one?

 

[bfoosh006]

My Browning 1886 Carbine is certainly entertaining. It can be loaded from mild to wild.
It can be a great thumper.
I was able to collect ammo before the current prices, and I do reload for it.
It basically is fired for others to see what the 45/70 is about... so it is rarely fired.

I would never sell it, having power like a hot 45/70 load is "fun" ( ? )

 

[3Crows]

And really, who is launching 500gr slugs out of the .45-70 that often? A 300gr bullet doing 2000 fps will kill just about anything you can reasonably shoot at. If there is something that requires the penetration of 500gr of lead, then buy a Ruger No. 1 and load it HOT and the job will get done.

A single shot rifle is fine for hunting and target but not so heart warming if what might be hunted can hunt back or being in a place where such creatures might mingle with the party. A double barreled .45-70 would be more appropriate but failing that just give me my lever repeater.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

I know a lot of people love the .45-70 lever rifle, but I've never seen them as some godsend that must be owned, but I have always been fond of a single shot .45-70. If a powerful lever action .45 is wanted, the .454 Rossi is hard to beat considering it'll hold twice as many rounds.

And really, who is launching 500gr slugs out of the .45-70 that often? A 300gr bullet doing 2000 fps will kill just about anything you can reasonably shoot at. If there is something that requires the penetration of 500gr of lead, then buy a Ruger No. 1 and load it HOT and the job will get done.

I cannot argue with your logic, but the hot loads are never needed. A 500 grain bullet going at "trapdoor" speeds will kill just about anything you can reasonably shoot at. I sometimes trek grizzly country with either my "Trapdoor" rifle, or carbine, and I'm quite confident in my one or single shot. Not to mention a "Trapdoor" can be reloaded very fast. One does not need light bullets at high velocity in a .45-70 to kill, or stop anything. 70 to 80 grains of good quality black powder behind the 400 grain bullets will do it. With a 500 grain bullet, no need to load it hot. I prefer the 400-420 grain bullets.

Again, I don't disagree with your take on it, that's just mine. And, if I'm with others, have more than just my own safety to consider, I'll take my Marlin, for the luxury of repeat shots, also loaded with black powder and 400 grain bullets. (80 grains) I too had "magnumtitus" when I first got my Marlin. I discovered shooting a deer that even those big old bullets will blow up when you drive them too fast. The .45-70 is best served with 400 grain or heavier at modest velocity.

Indeed, a .454 lever gun would be very hard to beat! I'd love to have one.