I want a 45-70 lever action... Marlin or Winchester???

[Lone_Gunman]

Ok, I have decided i desperately need a 45-70 lever action ....

Question is, do I want to get a Marlin or Winchester?

Doesnt look like Winchester is making a 45-70 at the moment (according to web site), but I think I could fine a fairly new 1886 pretty easily.

Opinions?

 

[JeFF D]

I cant ever recall hearing a negative comment about a Marlin Guide Gun. I want one too, but other things keep coming up.

I would go with the Marlin you wont be sorry.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

I have heard good things about the Marlin too, my problem is I dont really like the cut away side ejection port, nor do I like Marlin's stock checkering.

 

[MarineTech]

Had my Marlin 1895G Guide Gun for about 2 months now and it's a keeper. Excellent rifle for hunting in close brush and has enough knockdown power to take just about any North American game withing 150-200 yards.

 

[Blackcloud6]

I bought a Marlin 1895CB in .45 LC and I like ity a lot. I bought it over the Winchester becasue the quality is much better.

 

[telewinz]

Marlin but with the Ballard rifling for lead bullet shooting.

 

[Preacherman]

See my earlier post in this thread, where I talk about my "project" Marlin .45-70. I think the Cowboy model is the best compromise between portability and magazine capacity. Even with the barrel shortened to 22", there's still a full-length magazine, which is very comforting if one is hunting something with teeth and wants all the shots one can get!

 

[3 gun]

I'd have to favor the more modern design of the Marlin. With it you can use the hottest loads available. Loads that would not be safe in other guns.

 

[Trapdoor_1875]

Marlin 1895SS

I bought a Marlin 1895SS .45-70 a few months ago and am very happy with it.

It has a longer barrel than the Guide model and is not ported. My other Marlin is a 336CB in .38-55 and I enjoy shooting them both.

BTW, my first .45-70 was a Springfield 1875 Trapdoor which is still my favorite.

 

[Tamara]

I'd have to vote for the Marlin; it seems an all-around stouter gun. I find the actions to be smoother and more "slop-free" as well.

 

[Jack19]

Marlin. You'll find it easier to clean.

 

[RustyHammer]

Marlin ... solid, smooth, accurate.

 

[Snake Jenkins]

The Marlin 1895 Cowboy gets my vote.

Snake

 

[KMKeller]

Marlin any day.

 

[clem]

I've owned two Marlin lever actions. The first was a .444 and the second was a .375 Win. I traded the .444 off years ago, but still have the .375 Win. (big, long straight case round). Hits real hard but has a trajectory like a rainbow, ha!
I love the side ejection port on these rifles. And never had any problems with either.

 

[redneck2]

I just today..

read a REAL good article (actually a 3-parter) in the archives at http://www.realguns.com.

He's shooting some unbelievable groups with his Marlin. Has a good one on handloads too

 

[Fish Springs]

Hi,

Go with Marlin's 1895 http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/bigBore_levrAction/1895.htm

I've found it to be the best balanced of the 1886 and Marlin 45/70's. The Guide gun is great if you have a reason for its shortness. Of the Ruger #3, 1886, an 1895 with a lowpower scope was the most useful hunting gun of the three and will place three rounds in a neat clover leaf pattern at 100 yards.

It is is nice rifle.

 

[slabsides]

I have heard good things about the Marlin too, my problem is I dont really like the cut away side ejection port, nor do I like Marlin's stock checkering.

Sounds like you've answered your own question, LG...despite the nearly unanimous contrary opinion of all the other posters, including yr. obt. svt., that the Marlin in any of its versions is a vastly superior choice.

Now if I had to choose between my 1895SS and an original '86, well...

 

[JohnKSa]

All the new big bore Marlins have Ballard Rifling.

General consensus is that the Winchester stock design contributes to higher felt recoil but that the action is slightly stronger. Probably not an issue as the difference in strength is small and recoil is often the limiting factor in hotrodding the 45-70.

There's a Marlin in MY safe for what it's worth.

 

[Uncle Ethan]

In addition to all the other reasons to buy a Marlin 45/70 is the top of the receiver is solid- less moisture and debris getting into the action. I own both, but the Marlin stays cleaner.

 

[CrispyCritter]

Lone_Gunman

I own a Marlin 1895. I wouldn't trade it. The largest wild hog I ever harvested was with mine. Marlin is the best.

 

[Skofnung]

Practically speaking the Marlin wins, but I've longed for an 1886 Winchester for a long time.

I'd be hard pressed to choose.

 

[gunmn74]

Marlin

Imho the Marlin design is stronger for heavier loads like 45-70.

Winchester 30-30 model 94 is a favorite of mine.

 

[ArmedBear]

Sharps replica. There's nothing like a 520 grain bullet!

Otherwise, Marlin. Wild West Guns custom Marlin, if you have extra cash that you really hate to keep around.

 

[jkingrph]

I have Marlin 45-70's in all three configurations, Guide Gun, 1895 Cowboy and their standard 1895. The Guide Gun is the handiest, the Cowboy the longest. The Cowboy seems extremely light in weight and handles well. The best shooter is the standard, guess I just like the pistol grip.

I also have a Winchester 1886 repro, take down. It is very heavy and the crescent buttplate will do a job on you in almost all positons except standing.
I understand that they made a lighweight version and I would not want to shoot it if it had the same buttplate.