Which Marlin?

[2ndAmendmentNut]

A 45-70 lever gun is high on my list of next purchases. Marlin seems to be the way to go. I like the look of most of their levers, but I really like the looks of the models that have the magazine tube the same length as the barrel. Most of my hunting is done inside of 100yards, but on occasion I have some 200~300yard shots on pigs, is a 45-70 LA capable of shots like that? I am unfamiliar with all the various models Marlin makes, so please inform me which model you think would serve me best and why.

[arcticbreeze]

If you are looking at new Marlins I think the only model the the tube and the barrel are the same length in 45-70 would be the Guide Gun.

[405]

For some more money but a lot more gun I wouldn't overlook the Winchester 1886. Original 45-70s with good bores are way expensive. BUT, the recent Miroku models are very fine guns! I see forum member DukeNukem has one with the full length mag tube for sale on Gunbroker. Just a thought ?

[ReloaderFred]

The Marlin 1895CB, which is the Cowboy Model, has a full length magazine, plus the longer barrel. I have both an early 1895 and an 1895CB. I use the 1895 for hunting elk and moose, and the Cowboy for fun.

Either one will do you well.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[doubs43]

The 1895 Cowboy Marlin is a fine rifle. Mine is very accurate.

http://www.ozarkguns.com/rifles/marlin/pics/1895CB.jpg

[Bullshop]

Hope its OK to mention this here but if someone is looking for a marlin cowboy model we have one in like new condition. Ours looks just like the one pictured but has checkered stocks. This is the only one I have seen with checkering. This one also has factory installed sling swivel studs
Sell for $550.00 or trade and ship for $25.00.
If it is wrong of me to offer this here then moderators make this post go by by.
BIC/BS

[2ndAmendmentNut]

Bullshop, PM sent.

[awaveritt]

I have handled both the guide gun and the cowboy in the store and really like the feel and balance of the cowboy with it's 26" barrel. It just seems to shoulder more naturally and that long sight plane is a big bonus. I seemed to prefer the weight out front as its easier to keep a steady hold. Just my 2cents.

[beagle]

Well, I'll throw my $.02 in here. I have the standard model with the 1/2 magazine and I love it. I've shot the guide gun and the Cowboy quite extensively.

If I was going for a hunting rifle, I'd again buy the standard model.

The Guide gun for short range is all right but I like a longer sight radius.

The cowboy feels like it has a crowbar taped to the end of the barrel.

The Marlin IMO is the way to go. I had and dumped a Number 1 Ruger after I bought my Marlin as it outshot the Number 1.

I'd forget 2-300 yard shots with the .45/70 unless you want to carry an artillery fire control system with you as the trajectory is just too steep.

By all means, go with ballard rifling./beagle

[Bullshop Junior]

The cowboy is lighter then the standard model, and balances nicer.

What ever you do don't get one with porting.

[JesterGrin_1]

There is the new G1895GBL that you can view here. http://www.dpmsguns.com/catalog.php?prod=G1895GBL# It has a 18.5 Barrel with a full mag tube I think it holds 6 rounds.

And then there is the Marlin 1895 SBL which is in Stainless

There are many Marlins in the 1895 model now but I feel no matter which one you pic you can not go wrong. Just pic the one you like. :)

But I will also say that when you reach beyound 200 yards then you had best practice and have a range finder or a way to make out how far it is as said the drop really drops lol.

[bearcove]

Get one with Ballard rifling if you plan to shoot cast as primary projectile.

Fishing Rod

[bearcove]

Oops Beagle said that already. DITTO

[bearcove]

Oh checked my match any price dealer for a 1895 SBL $825 OUCH!!

LOOKS COOL!!

[bearcove]

My 1895 W/ Ballard $425 out the door

Fishing Rod

[Lead Fred]

Im so going to sell both my 30-30 levers and all the reloading stuff that goes with them, for a 1895 CB in 45/70.

[NHlever]

Im so going to sell both my 30-30 levers and all the reloading stuff that goes with them, for a 1895 CB in 45/70.

I think that is a mistake....... my guns have come, and gone over the years, but I've found that some calibers just keep coming back. I would keep the reloading stuff since you won't get that much for it, and you WILL need to replace it down the line....... :?

[WHITETAIL]

My vote is for the CB!
It is a fine rifle and shoots great.
So for It has 3 deer to it's credit.
And as far as being accurate.
How's 3 shots tuching at 100 yds?:holysheep

[6pt-sika]

I've had the 1895 in many variations !

The 1895G both ported and not ported , the 1895CB , the plain jane 1895 , the 1895XLR and a couple of the ones that were made from 1972 to 1979 . Also even had 4 of the "original" 1895 that was made from 1895 to about 1916 .

And of all those the only ones I still have are the two made from 72-79 and two of the old original ones .

Nothing wrong with the others thats just what my taste gravitated to ;-)
Incidently the two original 1895's I have are not 45-70 but rather 33 WCF and 38-56 !

[45 2.1]

Hope its OK to mention this here but if someone is looking for a marlin cowboy model we have one in like new condition. Ours looks just like the one pictured but has checkered stocks. This is the only one I have seen with checkering. This one also has factory installed sling swivel studs
Sell for $550.00 or trade and ship for $25.00.
If it is wrong of me to offer this here then moderators make this post go by by.
BIC/BS

The first year production models had checkered stocks, in the
45-70 and 38-55 calibers.

[northmn]

the 45-70 can be an impressive cartridge. I had a Cowboy model and sold it and use the single shots as the levers kick like H--l with anything but a standard load and even then are not so pleasant. The 45-70 CB was accurate and a good gun, but as about the biggest game I hunt is deer I use the 30-30 CB instead. Ballard rifling makes loading cast much easier.

Northmn

[6pt-sika]

The first year production models had checkered stocks, in the
45-70 and 38-55 calibers.

Not in the 45-70 as I had a first year production !

The 30-30 and 38-55 had checkered stocks the first few years and I had one of each of those as well !

The only factory rifles that were like the 1895CB and had checkered stocks were some of the Davidson's special run ones and they had 24" barrels instead of 26" like the 1895CB . They also didn't have swivel studs .

My own personal feeling is the rifle Bullshop has is a rifle that the stocks have been replaced and swivel studs added !

I may very well be wrong but I sure don't think so ! All you have to do is call the factory after the first of the year and give them the seriel number they should be able to give you some insight into this !