Looking for some info on a 45-70 rifle

[rayf01]

I am looking into buying a 45-70 for my father as a gift. So far the only ones I have seen (physically held) are the Marlin made ones and one ruger (which I didnt like). I am stuck between three Marlin models really. All have a different barrel length. Theres the Guide which is really really short, the 1895 which is in the middle and thent he Cowboy which has the octagon barrel, which is the one I am kind of leaning towards and its supposed to be pretty long. Unfortunatley I wasnt able to see the Cowboy model so I didnt get to really see how long it is.

We don't do alot of target shooting, mostly only hunting, which is what I gather he would use it for. Moose and elk.

From what I have read and know about the gun its a under 200 yd gun unless you really know the trajectory etc. So im thinking the barrel length wouldnt really matter much accuracy wise.

Do you guys think the Cowboy would be to large to use for hunting? I know the overall length but until I physically hold the gun its hard for me to picture so I will be going back in when they get some in.

Anyone know anymore input on 45-70's? Recommendations etc?
Thanks.

[Cariboo]

Welcome to the forum!


I have the 1895SS in 45-70. It is the blued & walnut model with the pistol grip and the 22" barrel. It is, in my biased opinion, the best of the bunch if you actually want to hunt with the rifle.

The Guide gun, while compact, can really beat the shooter up as the straight stock is not as easy to control as the pistol grip. The squared lever has been known to take the skin off of the knuckles of more than a few shooters.

The cowboy is a long and heavy rifle. It may be a bit unwieldy if the hunter is out on foot hunting the bush.


Whatever model you get be aware that you must hand-load to get the best out of these rifles.

[rayf01]

We don't do any handloading at all unfortunatley. Just never got into it I guess. I have been trying to get hints from him without him guessing what im planning. It seems like he would go for the Cowboy. Hard to say.

He currently hunts with a Sako 7mm mag with the longest barrel he could get on it, im going to measure it tomorrow and see just how long it is and how it compares.

[snowshoe]

Seeing that you don't reload, why not go for the .444 or .450? You can get much better factory loaded bullets for them.

[Cariboo]

Originally Posted by snowshoe

Seeing that you don't reload, why not go for the .444 or .450? You can get much better factory loaded bullets for them.

X2. The Marlin rifle in 450 Marlin allows the non-handloader to have a cartridge that duplicates the performance of "full house" 45-70 loads.

[rayf01]

have to consider it, he just mentioned he would like a 45/70, it was a rifled he has wanted for some time.

[leonard]

get a hold of some Hornady leverevolution rounds if your not going to hand load.
I've heard good things .. at least compared to other factory loads anyways.

Model 1895XLR look good .
i have a Stainless Guide version myself and love it.
the xlr series is supposed to be built to take more advantage of the Lever revolution ammo but I I'm not exactly sure how that is so.. but they say so :P

[ape]

For the non handloader go with the .450 . If he is wanting to start handloading go with the 45-70. either way you can't go wrong.

[Boxhitch]

The basic 45/70 round, Remingtons 405 gr. hp, has accounted for thousands of kill shots in the last few decades. They are reliable and comfortable and effective to their limits. Maybe he doesn't want to be caught up in the magnum race anymore ?

[Avalanche123]

Hmmmm I just got the 45-70 stainless steel guide gun (18.5 inch barrel) and use both factory and reloaded rounds that are loaded as hot as I can and I find the recoil quite managable. I have no problem using open sights (Ghost ring) and get respectable grouping at 100 yds.

Now I bought the gun as back up should I need it as I am a bow hunter first but wow do I love this gun!

Here is a link to a very informative site. Lots of good questions and answers.
http://www.marlinowners.com/board/

I don't find this gun beats me up at all but everyone is different. It is very portable and works well in tight conditions.

Good luck!