Author Topic: 45/70 TC or Marlin (Read 1044 times)

PDR · « **on:** February 15, 2006, 10:26:55 AM »

Hello, I have posted this question in two different places as I would like to know the differing opinions you may have.

Im based in the UK and have just applied for a number of extra rifles on my ticket.

I want a 45/70 calibre rifle but have not yet made up my mind. My choice is for either the Thompson Center Encore Katahdin Carbine or the Marlin 1895 GS (stainless).

One of my criterias is for a short rifle that is easy to transport. I drive a sports car and when I take my varmint rifles to the range they have to travel in the passenger seat. I know both the Marlin and TC will go into my cars boot (trunk for you guys).

I do like the TC Encores and definitely will be ordering a TC Encore 209x50 muzzle loading pistol. If I go for the TC encore Katahdin rifle in 45/70, I would also add a rifle version of the 209x50 (20in) muzzle loading barrel as well.

Im keen on the TC system, but do like the Marlin Guide Gun. I have also asked for a lever action 357/38 rifle so there will be at least one Marlin in my gun safe sharing space with my bolt actions later this year. I know there is more choice in (pointed) bullets for the single shot Encore, but it looks as though Hornady are addressing the situation for the Lever action rifles.

Im not looking to stir up any trouble amongst the different camps. Id just like to hear any pros & cons that people may like to share.

Thanks in advance,

Paul

K.K. · « **Reply #1 on:** February 15, 2006, 12:26:09 PM »

PDR- Glad to hear you can still shoot in the UK. I like both systems as well, although I most often hunt with the Guide Gun for our whitetails. I use the muzzleloader system and .308 pistol during our various seasons on deer as well, and they are fine firearms. I guess the question would be does the addtion of extra T/C barrells constitute an additional rifle application on your ticket. If not, you can own a lot of calibers! For my use in thick cover, the fast handling lever action is about perfect. For stand hunting, the single shot is great. Accuracy seems to favor the Encore, but I have not yet been able to try the new ammo from Hornady to date, although it looks promising. Although I would hate to do so, if I HAD to choose one, I'd go with the Encore due to it's flexibility. That said, you can go wrong with either.

Jason · « **Reply #2 on:** February 15, 2006, 12:32:03 PM »

As was just said, if you can get an Encore rifle with multiple barrels and only have it count as one gun on your ticket, then do that. If I were in your seriously gun-controlled situation, an Encore rifle and an Encore pistol (assuming you can't have one Encore frame and use it for both) would be my first purchases.

K.K. · « **Reply #3 on:** February 15, 2006, 01:22:13 PM »

PDR- Glad to hear you can still shoot in the UK. I like both systems as well, although I most often hunt with the Guide Gun for our whitetails. I use the muzzleloader system and .308 pistol during our various seasons on deer as well, and they are fine firearms. I guess the question would be does the addtion of extra T/C barrells constitute an additional rifle application on your ticket. If not, you can own a lot of calibers! For my use in thick cover, the fast handling lever action is about perfect. For stand hunting, the single shot is great. Accuracy seems to favor the Encore, but I have not yet been able to try the new ammo from Hornady to date, although it looks promising. Although I would hate to do so, if I HAD to choose one, I'd go with the Encore due to it's flexibility. That said, you can go wrong with either.

PDR · « **Reply #4 on:** February 15, 2006, 01:54:12 PM »

Thanks guys,

Yes any additional barrels for an Encore would be listed on my Firearms Certificate as separate slots. I currently have 7 firearms and have asked for another 4. Once you go beyond a certain number (usually 10) the Police may pay a visit and ask for increased security measures. Spare barrels and sound moderators do not count towards the total number of firearms held, even though they take up slots on the F.A.C.

I am aware that the Encore pistol and rifle share the same frame, but I think I would run into serious legal problems with just one frame. As you may know we are not allowed to have hand-guns here in the UK except for muzzle loading pistols, long barrelled pistols/revolvers (with extension bars to keep the overall length at not less than 24 ins.) or antique pistols (for which ammunition is very scarce). Putting a 45/70 cartridge barrel (Katahdin 18 ins.) onto a pistol frame would give you an overall length of about 22.5 ins and make the gun highly illegal in the UK. It would be fun in Africa though and easy to transport.

Oh, I was looking at those co-pilot take down Marlin 1895 Guide Guns on a site the other day, must say they are very nice.

Cheers Paul

Winter Hawk · « **Reply #5 on:** February 15, 2006, 01:59:20 PM »

Another thought would be the NEF/H&R HandiRifle. Either the regular rifle in .45-70 or the Buffalo Classic. Being single shot break open rifles, you can take off the barrel and give it the boot, so to speak. (Forgive me, I couldn't help myself!)

-Winter Hawk-

victorcharlie · « **Reply #6 on:** February 15, 2006, 04:18:30 PM »

You could always get a bigger car......or truck for that matter!

JEFF WARD2 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 16, 2006, 01:23:25 AM »

get them both you wont be dissapointed !! i already have the guide gun in 45-70-- now i gotta have the 45-70 for my encore no real reason for haveing both of them --i guess its a 45-70 thing....lol

PDR · « **Reply #8 on:** February 16, 2006, 02:38:10 AM »

Quote from: victorcharlie

You could always get a bigger car......or truck for that matter!

Up until last September I did have a much bigger vehicle, namely a Land Rover which only did about 17 mpgafter 5 years of driving this it was getting increasingly expensive to run given that we are paying the equivalent of $7 - $8 a gallon of petrol.

Add to this the fact that our former car-park has been taken from us for a new building which has left a shortage of spaces, then a smaller car makes more sense.

And it gives me more disposable cash to spend on other things like rifles. :lol:

PDR · « **Reply #9 on:** February 17, 2006, 10:26:33 AM »

Having now had time to read a lot more reviews, Im leaning towards the Marlin guide gun in stainless. Im going to my favourite firearms dealer in the morning to have a look at an example and probably put my order in for a new one. Are there any disadvantages to stainless over good old blued steel? How well does it wear compared to normal carbon steel?

Cheers, Paul

victorcharlie · « **Reply #10 on:** February 17, 2006, 12:01:21 PM »

Not knocking the TC as a lot of guys love them....and I've considered a TC as well........but for my money, the Marlin is just a lot more gun.......maybe, the next step up? I've got an 1895, not a guide gun and I really like it............

PDR · « **Reply #11 on:** February 18, 2006, 07:19:39 AM »

Been to my firearms dealer today and ordered a new 1895 GS. Should be here sometime in April :lol: