45-70

[Brian Stewart]

So I've been thinking.... I've killed a few elk in the timber I've been thinking about a 45-70 Guide gun to hung with while in the dark timber. I've killed two bulls that I had to shoot within a couple seconds of seeing them. So I figured a lever action with a scout scope my be pretty handy. I really like the Taylor Ridge Runner or the 1886 Lite model by Winchester. Have any of you guys hunted with one?

 

[missjordan]

I have one, h&r break open and it goes everywhere with me. I pack it with me during archery season too since part of the season is open for bears with a rifle in mt. I would love a lever action for the same reason. Haven't killed an elk with it yet but have taken a couple deer and a mountain lion. It worked great for the lion as it left a clean pass through shot and didn't damage the hide

 

[Matt W.]

One is on my wish list... be a great camp gun in bear country as well....my buddy's wife surprised him with the fancy Wild West take down version for Christmas. sweet rifle....

 

[bcimport]

Had an 1895gbl, was perfect for that and bears.

 

[chrislane]

So I've been thinking.... I've killed a few elk in the timber I've been thinking about a 45-70 Guide gun to hung with while in the dark timber. I've killed two bulls that I had to shoot within a couple seconds of seeing them. So I figured a lever action with a scout scope my be pretty handy. I really like the Taylor Ridge Runner or the 1886 Lite model by Winchester. Have any of you guys hunted with one?

I've used a Marlin 45/70 on white tail deer. I loved it. It does way less damage than my .270 and the 405gr flat nose shoots 1.5" groups at 100 yards. You won't regret it if you get it. They're an absolute blast to shoot.

 

[MontanaMarine]

I've got one of the Marlin 1895 GBL. Really nice rifle. Mostly a play toy for me, but I like to carry it out screwing off or shed hunting, and when I just want something handy.

Initially I set it up with a Leupold 1.5-5X, on a Warne 20 moa rail, and Seekins 1" rings. That worked out well for shooting, but kind of took away that 'handy dandy' quality.

Before long, I took the scope off, and mounted a set of the XS ghost ring sights. These are a nice upgrade from the factory iron sights, fast, and good enough precision for the effective range of the levergun.

My favorite load is 15 gr Unique under a 405gr cast. about 1250 fps, easy to shoot well, accurate and flat enough out to 100 yards. Easy to shoot 3" at 100 with the XS sights. A lot more power than a typical 44 Mag load. Drops like a rock after that. I've loaded up some hot loads, but not much fun to shoot them.

Shane

 

[husky390]

I've carried my Marlin 1895 for that reason and it's been very handy. You may run into accuracy issues if you get a barrel that is Micro-grooved and want to shoot HCL bullets. Some like them, some don't. Also, I'd try to get one stamped JM on the barrel. I'm not sure if Remington/Marlin has cleaned up their act yet. I'm half tempted to throw an Eotech that I have laying around on mine.

MM, nice looking rifle. Did you have any issues sighting in your rifle after installing the XS sights?

 

[MontanaMarine]

Sighting in the XS was easy. I did opt to file down the front sight some, rather than elevating the rear sight. Just wanted to keep everything low.

Mine is one of the earlier GBL's, it's got the JM proof mark. It has run smooth without any glitches. I did have to firelap the barrel to smooth it up. When it was new it was rough and grabbed a lot of lead, and would throw cast bullets sideways after about 5 rounds.

After firelapping it is good to go.

 

[husky390]

Thank you. A buddy of mine had to do the same when he tried the XS on his Marlin and we weren't sure if it was his gun, the loads he was using or the sights.

 

[Matt W.]

....

Mine is one of the earlier GBL's, it's got the JM proof mark. It has run smooth without any glitches. I did have to firelap the barrel to smooth it up. When it was new it was rough and grabbed a lot of lead, and would throw cast bullets sideways after about 5 rounds.

After firelapping it is good to go.

Did you experience much throat erosion when you firelapped? How many shots did it take to get it to your liking?

 

[MontanaMarine]

I did 20 shots, with Rem 405gr jacketed flat point, rolled in 600 grit lapping compound, and loaded up in front of a light charge of Unique.

I don't think there was any throat erosion, just a polishing effect.

I used the firelapping kit from Wheeler Engineering, from MidwayUSA.

 

[MLN02]

I have a Marlin 1895 22" barrel. Shot a bull at 100 yards with it this last season. Was using the Buffalo bore 350 gr round. Its shooting somewhere around 2200fps at the muzzle. It did a great job, I had a sharp quartering away shot. After he was hit he trotted about 30 yards and layed down to die. Bullet was stuck in the hide behind the opposing shoulder.

 

[husky390]

I did 20 shots, with Rem 405gr jacketed flat point.

I can't wait for Cabela's to get some more of these in stock since I shot all of mine and haven't seen them for a couple years. They are the most accurate bullet I've tried to date.

 

[duckhunter175]

If you pick up an 1895 look for a 'JM' stamp on the left side of the barrel near the receiver. Indicates one of the original Marlins. There are enough threads to make your head spin on the quality once Remington bought and moved the factory.

I scored a sweet JM Stamp Guide Gun off an estate, added a Williams peep/rail combo and I am going to put a red dot style sight on there.

Haven't reloaded for it yet but I'm planning to push Barnes 300gr TSX.

 

[alecvg]

I had one I carried with me while guiding in the Bob Marshall. It was a handy little gun, the Marlin '85g. I only had it for grizzly protection, and since getting my new revolver I never carry it. I ended up selling it a couple months ago to fund a new gun. If I were to get another I would buy an older Marlin used, as the new ones quality is wayyy down from a decade ago, or just fork out the dough and buy a Winchester.

 

[alecvg]

And as a side note, I did kill a blackbear with the Marlin, and really loved the .45/70 as a cartridge, wish I could killed an elk with it!

 

[husky390]

I would love to have an 1886. I had an 1885, fun gun when it worked.

 

[GKPrice]

I had one I carried with me while guiding in the Bob Marshall. It was a handy little gun, the Marlin '85g. I only had it for grizzly protection, and since getting my new revolver I never carry it. I ended up selling it a couple months ago to fund a new gun. If I were to get another I would buy an older Marlin used, as the new ones quality is wayyy down from a decade ago, or just fork out the dough and buy a Winchester.

a revolver for grizzly protection ? might I suggest you file down that front blade sight ?

 

[Stefan]

I have a Marlin 1895 Guide gun. I got it from the Alaskan Trappers Association Banquet 2013. Fun rifle, I carried it bear hunting and hiking up in the interior.
I am also loading 405's for it. I want to move into casting my own stuff.

 

[Jarrod Renaud]

I've got a 45-70 Henry and love it. Used it this past season and took a cow at 60 yards with open sights. Used HSM 430 bear loads. First shot broadside clipped the top of her heart, put a clean 3/4" hole through and through, she slowly turned towards me as if nothing happened. I thought some how I missed so I put another one at the base of her neck and she dropped instantly. Squared up frontal shot and found the lead lodged in her rear quarter.

Super fun gun to carry and hunt with. Perfect for timber.