Long gun choice in movie "Wind River" - Marlin Model 1895SBL

[rodregier]

(I've only seen the trailers).

In the movie "Wind River" the lead character uses a Marlin Model 1895SBL in .45-70.
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Wind_River#Marlin_Model_1895SBL
https://www.range365.com/guns-wind-river#page-13

That would seem to be a slightly strange choice for "a veteran tracker with the Fish and Wildlife Service" in cold climate territory for long range shooting (on coyotes) compared to say a good bolt-action design.

Opinions or experience?

 

[gripper]

Director or production team probably liked the look of it vs the reality. OTOH,while not what I think of for long range work,it IS a capable round in modern trim or handloads..at least for that 75-200 yard spread.

 

[ewlyon]

Probably wouldn't be my choice but I could see how someone could choose it. Handy size, fast to shoot and load, more than enough power for any four legged animal likely to be encountered, and it's long range capabilities have not diminished any since the 1800s. He would certainly have to be familiar with the holdover.

Edit: apparently the actor is a lefty too so that may have influenced the choice. although certainly a BLR would have fit the bill

 

[jmr40]

In the old west lever actions were not at all common in the real world. But when Western movies started being made in the 1920's they were the most used "prop". This is a modern day "Western". Hollywood has to use the right prop to sell the movie.

 

[Armored farmer]

As I recall, in the movie, the main character did have a scoped bolt action in white snow camo for his long range coyote gun.
IIRC

 

[Robert]

Movies are not real. Hollywood knows nothing about firearms. Neither of these is news to anyone.