What is a good 45/70 rifle?

Site Notices

TNVC Partners With Envision Technology - MARS Rangefinder Family, MARS-Lc!

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - What is a good 45/70 rifle?

Posted: 7/21/2003 1:19:57 PM EDT

The 45/70 gov't. has been of some interest to me lately, and I was wondering what is a good rifle for the cartridge? I am interested in a lever action type rifle, will be used for fun and maybe hunting.

Posted: 7/21/2003 1:43:47 PM EDT

[#1]

I like my Marlin Guide Gun a whole bunch.
Tuco

Posted: 7/21/2003 2:13:47 PM EDT

[#2]

I have the Marlin 1895 Cowboy, has a 26in octgonal barrel. It is a blast to shoot. I changed the sights. The rear is a semi buckhorn flip up ladder type, and the front to a 5/16 brass bead.
With these sights you can have some real fun at long range. I shoot 300yds at 55gal drums.

If you want to scope the rifle I would go with the Guide Gun, the Cowboy doesn't seem to handle well scoped.

Posted: 7/21/2003 4:08:16 PM EDT

[#3]

That;s what I'd say, any Marlin 1895 that feels good to you.

Posted: 7/21/2003 6:48:59 PM EDT

[#4]

There are also Springfield trapdoors made by this company that are pretty cool.

www.davide-pedersoli.com/eng/default.htm

If your into historical stuff.

I'd go with the Marlin if you want something more pratical though.

Posted: 7/21/2003 9:28:59 PM EDT

[#5]

Sounds like a Marlin is the right choice!

Thanks for the good info guys.

Posted: 7/22/2003 11:57:09 PM EDT

[#6]

Buddy has pistol gripped Marlin lever action in 45/70 and its a very solid rifle.
The lighter loads (300gr.?) are really kinda fun to shoot and shoot flatter.
The heaver loads can wear on you though.
If you like shooting 45/70 you may want to invest in reloading equiptment.

Posted: 7/23/2003 3:46:11 PM EDT

[#7]

Hey Greg, would you say that the added weight of the 26" barrel tames the recoil any over say an 18" or so guide gun?

drew

Posted: 7/24/2003 1:00:47 PM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
Hey Greg, would you say that the added weight of the 26" barrel tames the recoil any over say an 18" or so guide gun?

drew

The 26" barrel does little to reduce the recoil IMO. You should definely install a good recoil pad on the Cowboy,if you shoot full power loads. I use a PAST recoil shield when I shoot much, becase I think a recoil pad looks out of place on the type of rifle.

If you get a Guide Gun get one without the muzzle brake. It helps muzzle rise abit, but does nothing for recoil. And the damn thing will put you deaf.

Posted: 7/24/2003 8:04:11 PM EDT

[#9]

My dad just bought an original Winchester 1886. Pretty cool old rifle. I'm working up loads for it right now. Somehow, I got posession of it for the time being. He won't get it back till I put a few rounds through it!

Posted: 8/1/2003 9:34:07 AM EDT

[#10]

I'll have my 1895, 45-70 with scout scope out at Ben Avery sun. morning. 8/3/03 You can shoot it if you want. I'm usually on the left side.

Posted: 8/1/2003 9:41:58 AM EDT

[#11]

I use a 444P. 18" ported guide gun in 444 Marlin.

I would buy another Marlin if I wanted a 45/70 or 450 Marlin.

Posted: 8/1/2003 9:42:49 AM EDT

[#12]

Thanks for the offer gunbuster, but I'll be busy Sunday. I'm getting a shotgun instead anyway.

Posted: 8/2/2003 1:32:28 AM EDT

[#13]

AZ-AR,

I work at a gun store in Anchorage, AK and we sell quite a few .45-70's to folks for bear guns.

The most popular are the Stainless Marlin Guide Guns.... due to cost and ease of handling.

A "purist" will tell you that the Browning/Winchester rifles are "nicer". They are stronger and the "details" are right...... better blue, wood, smoother actions, etc.

However, they are also considerably more expensive.

There's also a variety of them.... Light Weight rifles.... full size rifles..... take down rifles.... and High-Grade rifles....

I'm not running down the Marlin at all.... just letting you know that there are other options.

Hope this helps.

Be safe. Be happy.

Joel N.
"Yog" (in Alaska)
"Molon Labe!"

Posted: 8/2/2003 1:51:05 AM EDT

[#14]

Browning 1886 Saddle Ring Carbine.

My dream lever action

Posted: 8/2/2003 5:29:01 AM EDT

[#15]

Get a Ruger #1. They can handle loads WAY stronger than a Marlin or 1886 putting it on par with a .458 Winchester.

Posted: 8/2/2003 5:40:58 AM EDT

[#16]

If the Marlin is more than you want to spend, the NEF Handi Rifle is available in 45/70 for about $200. From what I've read on the mailing list (groups.yahoo.com/group/nef-singleshot/), it will handle very powerful loads.z

Posted: 8/3/2003 1:53:22 AM EDT

[#17]

I have a Marlin 1895SS. Excellent rifle. I dont like the straight stock or porting of the guide gun.

Posted: 8/3/2003 2:45:09 AM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:
I have the Marlin 1895 Cowboy, has a 26in octgonal barrel. It is a blast to shoot. I changed the sights. The rear is a semi buckhorn flip up ladder type, and the front to a 5/16 brass bead.
With these sights you can have some real fun at long range. I shoot 300yds at 55gal drums.

If you want to scope the rifle I would go with the Guide Gun, the Cowboy doesn't seem to handle well scoped.

I second the cowboy!

Posted: 8/4/2003 8:52:53 PM EDT

[#19]

I have a Guide Gun, Stainless, but had it Black T coated from Birdsong. It matches the LPS perfectly!

Posted: 8/5/2003 5:04:46 AM EDT

[#20]

What are the velocity differences between the three barrel lengths shooting say 300 grain bullets in factory loadings.

I ask because I really like the guide gun, but if it looses to much velocity over the longer barrels...

thanks!

drew

Posted: 8/5/2003 9:26:23 AM EDT

[#21]

Quoted:
What are the velocity differences between the three barrel lengths shooting say 300 grain bullets in factory loadings.

I ask because I really like the guide gun, but if it looses to much velocity over the longer barrels...

thanks!

drew

Rule of thumb with rifles is that the longer the barrel the more velocity there is.

Not true in all cases but as a general idea it works.

Posted: 8/5/2003 1:24:26 PM EDT

[#22]

I know pistol rounds can loose velocity if the barrel is too long. Obviously the .45-70 is not a pistol round and I am pretty sure, even without any experience, that the longer barrels in this chambering will have a velocity increase over the 18". My larger concern is how much of an increase is the 26" over the 18". If it is like 300fps I would probably get the 26". If the increase is only 100fps I would opt for the 18" for its handling and weight with minimal velocity loss.

Just wondering how much "juice" the .45-70 had left in it after 18 inches of barrel.

Posted: 8/5/2003 1:46:03 PM EDT

[#23]

Another vote for the Marlin Guide Gun.

Posted: 8/6/2003 3:52:09 PM EDT

[#24]

I have done a fair amount of window shopping in the past on lever action rifles and everything always pointed to the Marlins.

Here's a question for you guys...how would the Marlin Cowboy with the 26" barrel fair against the beautiful and high-priced Shiloh-Sharps rifles or the Pedersolli's for that matter?

Such as...

Posted: 8/6/2003 4:09:43 PM EDT

[#25]

SOG has SMLE 45-70's for under $300. I have always wanted a 45-70 but the prices are usually way out of line.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - What is a good 45/70 rifle?

Armory » General Firearm Discussion

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.

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us