User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 10/2/2008 11:18:11 PM EDT
I've got this .45-70 that's been passed down through my family for over a hundred years, but I've never been told the exact model or the history of it.. supposedly it's a buffalo gun. Cool. Also supposedly, the front sight is made from the bone of an elk this rifle took down. That's also cool. But I still don't know what the actual model is. Anyone care to lend their expertise?
 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/4/2008 3:41:27 AM EDT
[#1]
The lever action rifle you have is a Marlin Model 1881 and according to Brophy's "Marlin Firearms", it came in two frame sizes, standard and lightweight. It appears yours is the lightweight version. The Marlin Model 1881 was the first lever action rifle chambered for the .45-70 gov't cartridge, coming on the market five years before Winchester's Model 1886. Marlins such as yours do have considerable collector interest and are fast approaching Winchesters in price. HTH, > Gary
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/4/2008 4:49:23 PM EDT
[#2]
front sight story is cool but it also may be ivory. ivory will yellow with age.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/5/2008 6:21:05 AM EDT
[#3]
A quick way to tell is by the loading gate. The newer ones 93's, 94's push in like the Winchester. The older ones 81's pushed forward like the one you have.
There is one on Gun Broker in 32-40 for $1990. But no one has bid on it for that price. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/5/2008 2:13:39 PM EDT
[#4]
Then it's an '81. Thanks for the help guys, and yes, the loading gate slides forward instead of pushing in.
On that note, anyone know any rounds that'll feed in this? I can't get Winchester or Hornady LEVERevolution to get through the gate. It's like the rims are too wide or something. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/9/2008 3:14:13 PM EDT
[#5]
I've never loaded an 1881 so I don't know if there is a trick to it but I would have a smith look at it to make sure it is a .45-70. I measured some old internal primed cases and some new cases and the rim measures the same. So I would have it looked at.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/9/2008 9:59:56 PM EDT
[#6]
It is a .45-70.. the rounds chamber just fine if I load it from the top. I just can't get them through the gate and into the magazine/tube.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/12/2008 5:59:34 PM EDT
[#7]
Might this be a blackpowder only gun due to age?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2008 9:48:53 AM EDT
[#8]
It's possible I suppose. I don't really know that much about this gun, to be honest. Just that it's been in the family for over 100 years and that the front sight is made from bone from an animal the gun was used to take down.
|
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
