1895 sbl

[offshore44]

I've been off the board for awhile, doing other things. Got myself an 1895 SBL last month, and thought I'd jump back on here for awhile and share my experiences with it.

Pictures and such later...

[Tatume]

Welcome back. I'm looking forward to going offshore as soon as my spring work schedule is completed. We'll await your discussion of the Model 1895. I've always liked them, but never owned one.

[offshore44]

Welcome back. I'm looking forward to going offshore as soon as my spring work schedule is completed. We'll await your discussion of the Model 1895. I've always liked them, but never owned one.

Thanks, got busy with my Jeep and being in the backwoods.

Here's what I've got so far...

I was looking for a rifle specifically as a Jeep gun. It needed to be physically short, less than 40" muzzle to butt. It needed to be stainless to at least help deter corrosion. I wanted something "big bore" because, well, big bore. The idea of a lever gun appealed to me...

The Rossi R92's got really scarce about the time I got my cash together. I was looking at a Stainless R92 in 45 Colt to go with my Redhawk. (I could even swap ammo in a pinch with that set up) The Cabelas had a Pedersoli 86-71 stainless guide model on closeout that would have been nice, but I missed that one too. Started calling around and a Sportsmans Warehouse about 40 miles away had 3 (!) Marlin 1895 SBL's in the back room, new, in the box. Whoo-hoo! Score!

My shooting buddy (the wife) and I jumped in the Jeep and and drove about an hour to check them out. The guy behind the counter was personable, and knowledgeable. After spending an hour or so going over all three Marlins, cycling the actions, looking at fit and finish, etc, etc, I selected the best pup in the litter.

While we were filling out paperwork and swapping hunting stories, the guys behind the counter started giving me **** about buying an 1895 SBL. They were all like "Dude, you just bought a Jurassic World rifle! Going T-Rex hunting?". I had no idea. Really. I played along and everyone had a little fun with it though.

Got it home, cleaned it up, wrapped a little 550 cord around lever (take the core out first) and got it ready to take it out on it's maiden voyage.

Loaded up a selection of Saeco #017's cast with 96-2-2 with a touch of copper. Stole some brass from the wife. She likes her Ruger #3 in 45-70. Used 5744 with loads from the current Lyman book, lever gun section. Anyway we headed up to the hills with some clays, the Marlin and the #3 in tow.

The scope came off the Marlin almost immediately after I started shooting it. Messed up the balance, and didn't buy me anything over the ghost ring sight that came on the rifle. It took almost no time to adjust to the rifle and start busting clays at 80 yards on a regular basis. Function was great with no hiccups, jams or bobbles. Everything is still stiff, but hey, it's a new rifle, right?

The only real gripe I have so far is a fit and finish thing. The fit of the butt stock to the tang is a little sloppy, but at least it's uniform. Other than that, it's a good workmanlike rifle that's worth the money paid. It shoots the load that I wanted to shoot with acceptable accuracy. It and I are going to spend a long time together in the backwoods, I can tell already.

[Tatume]

Oops! I was thinking of the Winchester 1895. I have several Marlins! Wonderful guns.

[robg]

I've just got one ,lots of Micky taking at the club but everyone wants to try it !

[Outer Rondacker]

Welcome back. Its a nice rifle. I have been shopping for one but they are out of my price range. Post up the gun porn will ya. Congrats.

[offshore44]

Everyone likes muzzle blast shots. Right?

[Texas by God]

Watch the movie "Wind River"- the 1895 45-70 GBL is a co-star.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Rug480]

Nice, been really thinking about a 45/70 lever gun. Amazing how old but still relevant the cartridge is

[Intel6]

I really enjoy my SBL. Had so much fun with it I went out and got a 336 BL to go with it.