Looking to move up to a levergun

[big bore 99]

I looked around here and couldn't find the exact info I'm searching for. I've been shooting, casting and reloading both smokeless and black in 45-70 single shots for some time now. I want to get into the leverguns now. Old originals are very nice, but sure can't afford anything shootable. I know there are some good imports out there. First of all, I'd want to stick with 45-70 having all the tools and molds available. I like the vintage look with a long octagon barrel (about 24"). Also, does a 45-60 work out with trimmed down 45-70? Have lots of 45-70 brass too. Been looking around at Taylor's and Co., Rossi, Marlin, Chiappa. Can anyone give me some thoughts?? Thanks!

[Outer Rondacker]

Honestly I would check out the Rossi in 45-70. I say this based on the fact that the MG marlins are going to need a over sized bullet and well you already have everything needed for standard rifling. Others will jump in here and help you out. Sorry I could not tell you more. Good luck.

[wrench man]

Pedersoli rifles are good rifles, I've got their 1886/71 45-70, it's a shooter for sure!, also have a Marlin 1895 45-70.

[GL49]

My 45-70 is a Browning 1886 SRC, it's a high quality rifle, in my opinion just as good or better than the old Winchesters. In the "swappin' and sellin' " section is a 45-60 Winchester '76 clone, the seller has cut down 45-70 brass to make them 45-60.
Although I haven't owned one, I know three persons who have purchased Uberti lever action reproductions, they all say they are top of the line when it comes to old lever action reproductions. One of them owns four. I'd really like to have one of Uberti's 1876's in 45-60 with a 28" barrel.

[pietro]

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The Marlin 336 Cowboy has a 24" octagon barrel, and can be had in .45-70 (besides .30-30 & .38-55).

http://iwantthatknife.com/Gallery/albums/EBR/marlin_1895.jpg

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[northmn]

I would double check the Marlins. Some of the later ones were made using Ballard rifling instead of Microgrooved. Most I see are the short barrled Guide models but once in a while you see a 95. Have not seen a CB in ages.

DP

[PerpetualStudent]

I know Henry also offers lever guns in .45-70

I've been looking at lever actions the last couple of months more closely. It might be different with .45-70 but with .357, the marlins are up in price around a grand alongside the really nice Ubertis and Chiappas. If you want to pay less you have two options: 1. Rossi which is cheapest (4-6 hundred), and therefore roughest but cleans up well I'm told. 2. Henry which is 6-8 hundred and comes nice out of the box.

That's my impression as a window shopper right now. Happy to be corrected

[OverMax]

First off. Yes 45-70 is a parent brass to many calibers and probably can be re-formed to the caliber your asking about. But my advice would be too anneal any yellow brass prior to its re-forming to another caliber. Doing so (helps to relieve tension, memory and mouth cracking.)
As far as a 45-70 lever rifle. Depends on how deep your pockets are. Although Marlin/ Remington lever models have disappointed many as of late. There still the oldest current American makers of the true Marlin design. Marlin's Button Safety isn't a problem once the rifles owner gets use to its operation. For those who can't. There are aftermarket replacement parts to accommodate their needs. Henry rifle models are indeed very nice and are known to have smooth actions and great accuracy right out of the box. And too offer warranty repair second to non. Same apply's to Marlin.
All those other Lever makers building their clone models off shore. I don't make it my business to know there models all that well. Or where or how to get there products fixed under warranty. I guess I'm kinda old school partial towards buying American made.

[salvadore]

My local guy warehouse has a cowpoke 45/70 Marlin. I thought it had 30" octagonal barrel, but maybe it was a 24".

[Scharfschuetze]

I've enjoyed a Marlin 1895 for quite a few years and find them accurate and reliable. I bought one of the original 1985 Marlins in 1975 or so, but my brother has that one now and it soldiers on with boring regularity.

My only complaint is that they are kind of light if your are considering heavy loads.

My current Marlin 1895 (bottom rifle):

[TXGunNut]

Big fan of the Marlins, a Guide Gun has been my favorite thumper for years and I recently added an 1895 (non-CB) to keep it company. You may be able to use some of the same moulds and loading tools for your new levergun but keep an open mind.

[Griff]

More money, but a far better gun than any of the others is a Browning 1886. The rifle has a 26" octagon barrel with full length magazine.

[salvadore]

I was wrong, it had a 26" octagonal barrel and is really light. After I had them rummage around toward the back of the rack, the clerk found another 1895 model Marlin 45/70 that was even lighter because it had a 20" barrel and would probably rip my shoulder off with even the lightest load.... I want it.

[Mauser48]

Yeah I agree with the browning 1886. Those are some sweet guns.

[TXGunNut]

I was wrong, it had a 26" octagonal barrel and is really light. After I had them rummage around toward the back of the rack, the clerk found another 1895 model Marlin 45/70 that was even lighter because it had a 20" barrel and would probably rip my shoulder off with even the lightest load.... I want it.

Go for it! Actually, I'd get the Cowboy first. Around here they're pretty hard to find. Or both. But no short eye-relief scopes!

[salvadore]

The 20" barreled shooter is a cowpoke one too. Same configuration, octagonal, fore end cap etc. Hey Tex, good to see you're still around.