Best Bang for Your Buck: 45/70

[suzukisam]

There may be some good news after all...I just called the shop and canceled my order. They're going to order a Henry in 45-70 instead. It's a bit more expensive, but it apparently doesn't have the Remlin quality problems. I would rather pay a bit more for something that will have quality out of the box. The Henry should arrive next week.

I'm kicking myself for not researching the 1895 receiver issue earlier. I'm so tempted to GO OFF on Remington (well, specifically The Freedom Group/Cerberus) for ruining the Marlin brand, but I won't...it's pointless in any case.
__________________

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. but glad you got it straightened out before owning it!
I'm a marlin fanatic. as a matter of fact I just picked up a win model 94 30-30 that is immaculate. and I can't wait to get rid of it. it was a trade, and I traded up. NOT BASHING WINCHESTER! but man it just doesn't feel like a marlin! I'm in love with my 45-70. Having said that I probably wouldn't ever buy another marlin unless it was an older one.

 

[Palehorseman]

The 1895 is a good lever action, not true to the original Marlin 1881 (the FIRST lever action 45-70) but a good rifle.

Personally, I would get a Springfield Trapdoor Rifle. They are found around the same price and being original, hold their value well. Everyone I have shot or been associated with is accurate enough for hunting and some are good target rifles also. It is always nice to have a bit of usable history.

Kevin

Nothing like the .45-70 in an original rifle, JM Marlin Ballard #5 Pacific. http://hstrial-rchambers.homestead.com/P10105362f.jpg

 

[9mm+]

Personally, I would get a Springfield Trapdoor Rifle. They are found around the same price and being original, hold their value well. Everyone I have shot or been associated with is accurate enough for hunting and some are good target rifles also. It is always nice to have a bit of usable history.

Kevin

I would definitely agree! Only problem is that you can't use some of the more potent loads from Buffalo or Garrett in the Springfield Trapdoor.

 

[TRX]

Don't write off the Trapdoor loads! In original BP or equivalent smokeless loads, the old .45-70 can lay the smack-fu down.

US Army testing at 3500 yards:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/843705/posts

.45-70 vs .458 Win Mag against wet newspaper:
http://www.garrettcartridges.com/penetration.html

At the Box of Truth:
http://www.theboxotruth.com/the-box-o-truth-4-miscellaneous-rounds-meet-the-box-o-truth/

against 1-1/4" bulletproof Lexan:
http://www.theboxotruth.com/the-box-o-truth-6-ballistic-resistant-glass-gets-tested/

against laminated bulletproof glass:
http://www.theboxotruth.com/the-box-o-truth-48-laminated-bullet-proof-glass-rifles/

(note both of the "bulletproof" windows had already been shot at with other cartridges, which probably made the .45-70 look better than it actually is)

against gallon jugs of water:
http://www.theboxotruth.com/the-box-o-truth-19-the-water-box-o-truth-part-3-rifle-rounds/


Those are all 1300-1350fps Trapdoor-safe loads, not pumped-up "Ruger" loads.

 

[StrawHat]

I would definitely agree! Only problem is that you can't use some of the more potent loads from Buffalo or Garrett in the Springfield Trapdoor.

How potent does one need? The original ballistics are pretty good. More velocity gets you a lot more recoil and not a lot of improvement in trajectory. I outgrew the macho loads long ago.

Kevin

 

[9mm+]

How potent does one need? The original ballistics are pretty good. More velocity gets you a lot more recoil and not a lot of improvement in trajectory. I outgrew the macho loads long ago.

Kevin

No worries...I didn't mean for it to be commentary on original 45/70 loads for the Trapdoor, which is certainly capable for hunting any N. American game. It was a cautionary note in light of the newer, higher-power loads from Buffalo and Garrett.

 

[Billy Jack]

I've owned 4 45-70's (Marlin 1895G, Marlin 1895CB, Ruger #1, and H&R Buffalo Classic.)
I only have 2 now, the Marlin 1895 CB my favorite to hold, carry, admire, and own.....and the H&R Buffalo Classic.....my favorite to shoot at targets just for fun.
If I ever had to go down to one I'd keep the Marlin Cowboy. It is just awesome.