Marlin lever action 45/70

southwestwalkers · Post by **southwestwalkers** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 11:02 am

just seeing what everyone thinks about this rifle. I own a 30/30. Does it have that much more kick than the 30/30 or .44
Living in the southwest Im wondering if it is just going to be over kill for bear,lion...I got a weekness for this gun...

http://www.gunshopfinder.com/marlin/marlin1895GS.asp

Robb

easttenngator · Post by **easttenngator** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 11:35 am

I know a couple of people here that use them on bear and like them.The 30/30 is the least amount of gun they like you using. I see .44's and .444's and 35's so no a 45/70 wouldn't be too much gun for a bear.As for the kick yes it will kick a bit more.

No lions I have no idea we dont have any.

Gator

southwestwalkers · Post by **southwestwalkers** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 11:45 am

Yeah, Its a real nice piece.... Im trying to justify it now...lol

http://www.gunshopfinder.com/marlin/marlin1895GS.asp

Borderpond · Post by **Borderpond** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 1:49 pm

Whenever a hunter, whom had booked a bear hunt with me, would ask me what was the best gun to bring, I would always tell them a 45-70 lever action.Its my all time favorite. I have personally seen a ton of bears killed with that gun.Its what I would carry myself if I could choose any gun and calibre there was.
I do believe a 35,444 or the 450 Marlin would also all be excellent choices. Nothing like those lever guns when the action is close up and wild on a bayed bear.You can reach right in one handed ,touch fur and let her rip !!! Been there done that !

Melanie Hampton · Post by **Melanie Hampton** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 2:10 pm

Hey Robb

I can shoot a 40-70 with some hopped up loads and it doesn't kick that bad. I really really like them.. I have seen up close the stop they will put on a bear, of course hitting your mark helps too

southwestwalkers · Post by **southwestwalkers** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 2:20 pm

yeah your tough Im just a whimpy 40 yr old man

Kiddin aside Im Jones'in for the .45-70

Josh Kunde · Post by **Josh Kunde** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 3:44 pm

well I guess its my turn lol. I personly LOVE!!! this gun my dad has had one for years and I started shooting it in the 7th grade his doesnt kick it just pushes you back alil bit.

But it is real accurate,we always used the 300gr. rounds because that is all they sell in the gun shops around here but we have tried the 400gr. ones and just got a new box of those 300gr. Leverevolution to try out of it.

I have a winchester model 94 in 32spl. which is almost the same a a 30-30, and they are about the same in kick the 32 just has more of a chrisp sort of kick to it.

I would highly suggest getting this gun, if not for bear or lions, get it for just having fun!

good luck with your choice
Josh

Grzyadms4x4 · Post by **Grzyadms4x4** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 4:47 pm

Dang, I am glad I read this post. I am saving up for a new .30-30 for bear and lion. I carry my 30-06 right now, but I was wanting something a little more compact and light. So the 45-70 is the way to go. What about the ammo, the stuff seems real expensive. Does anyone on here reload them?

Zach

southwestwalkers · Post by **southwestwalkers** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 8:46 pm

Zach...trust me I got a year new 30/30 Im ready to trade it in for the lever action .45-70 It is a nice piece......

kdrchuck · Post by **kdrchuck** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 9:49 pm

There is no doubt the marlin 45/70 is a tried and true bear gun, along with the 450 marlin. Personally if you don't mind the kick, i would go with the 450. I've just seen then working on similar bear, in similar situation, with the same shot and the 450 did the job better.

I doubt anyone would say the marlin 45/70 is a bad bear gun, but i will throw this out there for something to think about.

Puma makes a model 92 in 454 cassull. Nearly identical velocity and energy numbers in a shorter, lighter package that can hold nine shots. The Puma is not the best gun made but i think it is a good one. My choice over the marlin. With that said though, if i had a Marlin guide gun in 45/70, i would not trade it for a Puma.

For what that is worth.

southwestwalkers · Post by **southwestwalkers** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 11:03 am

its all about .45-70 for me to I find another beautiful gun....

bossman · Post by **bossman** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 12:41 pm

I use a marlin 450 and a buddy has a 45-70. They both will get the job done on a big bear like freight train on a antalope!!!! I like the 450But, it kicks like a mule and will make you deaf if you dont have ear plugs. The 45-70 does not kick as bad but you will still know it fired !!! and ear plugs are a good bet. I have seen a lot of bears killed with both of these and will tell you nothing will let the air out of a bear like these two will. I personally would not carry one to hunt lions, it would be over kill to the extreme. A head shot may well leave you with a head less lion rug hahaha. or bear for that matter .

southwestwalkers · Post by **southwestwalkers** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:23 pm

Thanks, bossman

Your right on it on the ear plugs deal. I actually where ear muffs when I shot in the woods anyway. I learned the hard way with a slight case of tinnitus. That would be a interesting post to see who where's ear protection. Those who know tinnitus or know folks who have it know there's nothing wrong with plugs of muffs when firing those kind of guns......

Robb

longshot · Post by **longshot** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 3:57 pm

I have owned mine for about 4 years now. It has been a real WHOPPPER STOPPER!

It needed some different sites THe factory ones were very poor. I put on a Williams Peep sight and now with my handload recipe and a benchreast I can put 3shots in a 1in circle!

Longshot

Grzyadms4x4 · Post by **Grzyadms4x4** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 4:50 pm

What's the cost on one of em?