Finally picked up a 45-70 (Guide Gun)

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JeffDilla

JeffDilla

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I went into one of my local gun shops today and lo-and-behold he had what appears to be a pre-rem guide gun. It had the JM stamped barrel, the serial number is 02xxxxxx, which, from what I understand, means the rifle was made in '98.

The rifle looks to be in immaculate condition, smooth action, bright, clean bore, fit and finish is great. The bluing is also nice. It came with Williams fiber optic front sight and circular rear sight, and a weaver scope mount. It has a ported barrel, which I'm not crazy about, but I didn't want to pass this one by.

I've been wanting an 1895 for some time now but have been pretty picky about what I'm looking for. I picked this one up for $485, which I felt was a decent price.

Can anyone shed anymore light on the date of manufacture? From what I've read, subtracting the first two numbers of the serial # from 100 will give you the date of manufacture.

Pics soon to come.
 
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That is how you determine the date of manufacture. Good luck with your new rifle. I have one just like it and love it.
 
What you looking at hunting with it? Reports from the field regarding the leverotuon rounds are that they don't hold together well. If you after moose or some big animals you might want to look at some hard cast, or probably some 405gn softpoints. Good luck, and nice rifle.
 
I'm not sure how much verifiable data is out there, but my personal experiences with LeverEvolution have been nothing short of fantastic. About two dozen kills and every time the bullet has been found, it's been intact and mushroomed nicely. 1895XLR @50-200+ yards. Maybe relatively long shooting distances have slowed the bullet down enough, despite V0 being higher from a 24" barrel.
 
Nice rifle.

One of these has been on my wish list for a while, and I thought I got lucky yesterday. One popped up on a local classified site for $425, but it was a newer one, bought within the last year, and I lost interest.
 
Thanks, I've been on the lookout for a 45-70 lever gun for some time now. Does anyone have any suggestions for good, raised scope rings for that base that would allow me to still use the sights while having a scope mounted?
 
Thanks, I've been on the lookout for a 45-70 lever gun for some time now. Does anyone have any suggestions for good, raised scope rings for that base that would allow me to still use the sights while having a scope mounted?
Click to expand...

Oh no. That would be a horrible mistake. Don't do it man. Mount your scope low.
 
Oh no. That would be a horrible mistake. Don't do it man. Mount your scope low.
Click to expand...

You think so? Dang. Maybe I'll hold off on a scope anyway. For hunting purposes, I'll be using it more as a woods gun anyway. I really like the quick sight acquisition with the sights already on it.
 
Thanks for the lead. This is probably a foolish question, but I'm assuming that a scope will not not hold its zero when using the quick release system to take the scope off and put it back on, correct? (I'm not really a scope guy :eek:)
 
Great. Thanks for the info. Now to find a good fixed or low variable power scope that won't break the bank.


ETA: I see you're already on top of it. Might have to start saving my pennies for one of those . . .
 
I actually meant to post a link to the VX-1 that you linked. I think that the new VX-1 is supposed to be as good as the last generation VX-2, which was the VX-II.
 
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