Best 45-70 lever gun?

[silicosys4]

Since the discussion about 45-70 lever guns has been kicking around the forum in another thread for a while, I'm curious what people's experiences with theirs has been, and if you've had experience with multiple brands?

I have very little experience with them so far, I picked a Browning 1886 SRC earlier this year and haven't had the time to shoot it more than a few times, and not with more than a few kinds of ammo.
I don't consider it better or worse than other brands and models, It was just at the intersection of my interest in lever guns, Winchester, and the .45-70. Plus the Browning was $500 cheaper than any of the other 1886 replica's I could find, and its got a very strong action, perhaps more so than the Marlin. I can't say if its stronger than the Henry.

My only other experience with a .45-70 lever gun was a Henry brass receiver lever gun, the one without the loading gate. Beautiful rifle. But it didn't feed very smoothly and had to be ran with authority or you would fail to get the action fully into battery and have a hammer fall with no firing pin strike.

If I had to do it again, much as I love the 1886 for its silky action, by far smoother than the Henry, I might look more towards the Henry or Marlin for the ability to easily mount a scope. That wasn't an itch I was trying to scratch with the 1886 though, and I wouldn't give the 1886 up to get one.

Are there any currently available .45-70 lever gun designs I'm forgetting?

 

[The Happy Kaboomer]

I have an octagon bbl Marlin in 45-70................The Henry is a direct copy of the Marlin action...........The 1886 is probably strongest by far.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

There are a couple of different Marlins versions (guide gun and a rifle at least) but don't think Ruger has gone back to making those version yet.

Ruger did/does make a #1 in it, not a lever though.

Is a bit tough with what is out there vs what is made now. I like the Guide Gun a lot if you want small/quick, but more recoil and noise from it.

 

[sgmdcw]

Ruger is making 3 versions of the 1895 now in .45-70. I own a Winchester 1886 (by Miroku) and a Marlin Guide Gun. The reason I prefer Marlin is they are easier to disassemble and maintain. The bolt is easily removed so you can clean the bore from the chamber end. They are also strong enough to handle any modern 45-70 load.

 

[jmorris]

I was never really a fan of lever guns until I got my 1895 (with the load data/components from the previous owner, meticulous fellow), it shoots 1.5 MOA with loads that have more felt recoil than my 50 BMG. You can go through pigs and I don’t mean “A” pig but several, if you have them lined up.

 

[dh1633pm]

I have an 1895g. Tonight sitting in my hospital bed surfing to take my mind off the aches and pains of post op. Don’t worry, I’m good. This is my 45-70 story.

In 2003 I went to Iraqi freedom. While I was gone I wanted a 1895G like the review I saw on Gunblast. I always wanted a 45-70 and like you was perplexed by what to get. I liked what I read on Gunblast so I choose Marlin.

My thoughts were I could load it up or down depending on my use. The 1895 seemed light enough for field use. Don’t get me wrong, I also want an 1886 and a Browning high wall or whatever you call them. Maybe one day.

When I got back from the war, had no job so the
Money I saved stayed put. In the fall I got a new job and my quest continued. I called Frank my dealer and enabler for a price quote. Frank just happened to have a slightly used one with the ported barrel that he sold originally to someone who returned it because of the recoil.

Picked it up for$350. It’s a rifle I enjoy. Later I purchased a trap door. Shot it a few times, but when it’s 45-70 time the Marlin comes out.

First time out hunting, it was snowing and cold. A buck walked right up to me. Close enough for conversation. No idea why he was so quiet. I dispatched him with a front shot at about 25 feet. He dropped like someone hit the off button.

Anyhow we all get things for whatever reason we do. This is why about my choice.

The new Marlins from Ruger are nice if I could past the laminate stock. But then again, I have one already. I think you have the choices narrowed down pretty good.

 

[AJC1]

I was never really a fan of lever guns until I got my 1895 (with the load data/components from the previous owner, meticulous fellow), it shoots 1.5 MOA with loads that have more felt recoil than my 50 BMG. You can go through pigs and I don’t mean “A” pig but several, if you have them lined up.

The lever revolution rounds used to separate those who thought they were tuff from those you probably don't want to mess with...
As far as 45-70 I'm biased toward the marlin XLR because it's stainless, easy to maintain in the humid south, and heavy enough to ever so slightly help with recoil. A full power modern lever load is not to be trifled with and no desire to try the ruger #1 load.

 

[dh1633pm]

The Lever Revolution rounds will certainly wake you up.

 

[KY DAN]

I like the winchester with the the addition of a shotgun style butt stock fitted with a good recoil pad.

The half moon thing will cause injury for those with neck and shoulder issues .

I like this rifle due to its ability to hold the most cartridges.

Idk where or what I would need more than 5 45/70 350 grain projectiles BUT I have them if needed

 

[Sistema1927]

My Remlin 1895 GBL (3rd from the bottom) is as good as my JM Marlins (1,2, & 4).

 

[jmorris]

The lever revolution rounds used to separate those who thought they were tuff from those you probably don't want to mess with...

My 45-70 contender will wake you up with regular trapdoor loads, it’s better to carry but not something your going to plink with all afternoon.

 

[King Medallion]

My Browning brothers, Brutus and Boomer.

 

[wild willy]

Open sights Winchester. Scoped Marlin

 

[Jim Watson]

A friend had an early Marlin with "conventional rifling for lead and jacketed bullets" in "loads listed for 1886 Winchester." I could ask for no better.

Anecdote Alert

He was shooting it one day with Elmer's Load and reported a bystander saying:
"That's a nice looking .30-30 you have there."
"Mister, this isn't a .30-30."
"Sure it's a .30-30, I know a .30-30 when I seen (sic) one. Let me try it out."
"OK, here."
BANG!
Smart guy rocks back with the recoil, swings the lever, ejecting the empty, and looks at it on the ground.
"That's the biggest damn .30-30 I ever saw."

Second variant had "modified Microgroove rifling for lead and jacketed bullets" in "loads listed for 1886 Winchester."

After that they quit saying anything about heavy loads.

Another friend has a real 1886. But it is a .45-90. He paid a lot for a Winchester branded tang sight to put on it, but the combination is very accurate with the Lyman 457122 Gould Express hollowpoint. 26" octagon barrel weighs a ton, though.

 

[Chuck R.]

One of the guys at work just picked up a Win 1886 Deluxe a couple months ago. Came out to my place to zero it with the flex tip ammo.

Heavy azz rifle with that 24" tube and full magazine, but that crescent butt plate still BITES!!

 

[Lennyjoe]

Used to have an older model Marlin in 30-30 but sold it years ago. Currently have the longer barreled Marlin in 45-70.

 

[jmr40]

If I had to have a 45-70 lever gun, I'd search until I found one of these and pay whatever they wanted for it. This is a 1972 or 73 model; the 1st year or 2 after they reintroduced the 1895 after being discontinued for 60-70 years. The newer versions have too much wood on the forend and stock. This is trim like a lever gun is supposed to be, and has no CBS.

I bought one of these used in 1976. I had a newer 22" rifle and one of the Guide guns well over the years. But this was my favorite.

I sold my last one about 20 years ago.

 

[4v50 Gary]

I like the winchester with the the addition of a shotgun style butt stock fitted with a good recoil pad.

The half moon thing will cause injury for those with neck and shoulder issues .

I hate those crescent shaped buttplates.

A friend had an early Marlin with "conventional rifling for lead and jacketed bullets" in "loads listed for 1886 Winchester." I could ask for no better.

Anecdote Alert

He was shooting it one day with Elmer's Load and reported a bystander saying:
"That's a nice looking .30-30 you have there."
"Mister, this isn't a .30-30."
"Sure it's a .30-30, I know a .30-30 when I seen (sic) one. Let me try it out."
"OK, here."
BANG!
Smart guy rocks back with the recoil, swings the lever, ejecting the empty, and looks at it on the ground.
"That's the biggest damn .30-30 I ever saw."

Second variant had "modified Microgroove rifling for lead and jacketed bullets" in "loads listed for 1886 Winchester."

After that they quit saying anything about heavy loads.

Another friend has a real 1886. But it is a .45-90. He paid a lot for a Winchester branded tang sight to put on it, but the combination is very accurate with the Lyman 457122 Gould Express hollowpoint. 26" octagon barrel weighs a ton, though.

Great story about the big 30-30 Jim. Both Win 1886 and Marlin 1885 have rising locking blocks that enter the bolt. The Win is two piece and the Marlin is one piece. The Win locks goes up through the length of the bolt and the Marlin only partially up the bolt (about 1/2 way). On the other hand the Marlin has a closed top receiver and side ejection which keeps dirt out better than the open topped Win 1886.

I think it would make an interesting article to compare the two designs.

BTW, I have a Marlin. Got it b/c I'm in bear/cat country. Given the choice between the two, I'd go Marlin because I hate crescent shaped buttplates. That's a stupid holdover from the late 18th Century flintlocks. I prefer the flatter military style buttplates.

 

[Charlie98]

I had a Browning (Miroku) 1886 SRC for some time, and stupidly sold it to buy an M1a. I still miss that rifle today. I still have my Browning 71... same action, different cartridge... and that rifle will never, ever leave my possession.

Lamenting over my gone Browning 1886, a friend sold me his Marlin 1895 LTD V. I like Marlins, and it was a very nice rifle... but it was NOT the Browning 1886. Having said that, the Marlin has far more utility... you can scope it, it side-ejects, and you can take it down with one screw to clean it from the breech... so there is a lot there to like. The Marlins also come in a good number of variations, including stainless, so there is that, also.

Don't have any experience with the Henry.

 

[dh1633pm]

@silicosys4, not sure your any closer. Would be great to hear if your thoughts are changes after reading all the great responses.

 

[silicosys4]

@silicosys4, not sure your any closer. Would be great to hear if your thoughts are changes after reading all the great responses.

Oh I still kind of think its a wash. From a purely practical point of view the Marlin wins it hands down because of its ability to mount a red dot or low power scope. A red dot makes a Marlin .45-70 as good as anything else out there as a short to medium range thumper for bear or dangerous game protection, and better than a lot of things. However, there is also something to be said about the smoothness of the 1886's action in comparison...I haven't ran a Marlin first hand but by all accounts that is the case..., and its ability to facilitate a faster follow up shot. Ghost ring rear sights are also available for the 1886, which negates some of the advantage of the Marlins ability to mount a red dot...and red dots/scopes can fail.
The 1886 is reportedly a stronger action, but I'm reading many of the 1886 replica's are hindered by short throats and so cannot chamber the longer, heavier 450gr.+ loads that perhaps the Marlin and Henry can.

I still prefer the Winchester for my purposes, which is to be a well-crafted and (reasonably) historically accurate replica of an iconic design that also has good functionality. A good tang sight will complete the package and extend its range, and maybe I'll even take it hunting sometime, maybe for elk in heavy timber.

The Henry, especially with Henry's upgraded fancy wood set and polished brass receiver, is very attractive. But I wasn't impressed with the action. Until I handle one that blows me away it has no advantage over either the Marlin or the 1886.

I voted Marlin, just because my preferences for the 1886 are purely subjective, and the Marlin can be scoped.

 

[3Crows]

I am going to be predictable and true to form and vote Marlin 1895. Either a stainless steel SBL or the TBL (Trapper). If I wanted the option to use the scope I would swing SBL and if I knew up front I would carry it naked then TBL.

 

[troy fairweather]

There's nothing much better then a win 86 in 45-70 or 45-90 in the lever gun world, tho I'd like a new ruger marlin in stainless for hunting and not worrying all the time hunting that I'm going to ruin the rifles finish.

 

[dickydalton]

My GG for 23 years now.

 

[Weflyfast]

I like the old girls-