Which .45-70 lever gun?

[Sierra Sherpa]

Fellas,


My buddy and I have received our 2013 Shiloh Sharps catalogs, but I'm still entertaining thoughts of a .45-70 lever gun.  I like the 26" octagonal barreled lever actions and plan on putting a mid/long-range tang sight on the gun.  Right now I've narrowed things a bit to either the Marlin 1895 Cowboy or Chiappa 1886. 


My concerns center around the message boards' chatter about quality control (or lack of) for the so-called "Remlins" as well as what kind of guns Chiappa puts out.  The gun will be used both for deer hunting in California as well as informal silhouette range shooting with friends (no organized competition).  I will probably stick with smokeless and jacketed rounds.


Seems to be some talk about the 1895 Cowboy being discontinued or in scarce supply.  Does anyone know if this is a temporary situation and whether it's cleared up yet?  Any first-hand knowledge about the Chiappa?  Any pics of either gun?  Should I be considering another brand?  Appreciate your comments.

[sharps4590]

I am quite ignorant of all the comin's and goin's of the fine 45-70 cartridge in the newer models of lever rifles.  I am not ignorant of the cartridge in the 1895 Marlin of the late 60's and 70's.  Good rifles!  I am quite familiar with the 1886 Winchester in 45-70, 40-82 WCF and 33 WCF.  Today if I were in the market for a lever rifle in 45-70 I would look no farther than the recent 1886 Brownings or Winchesters....even with their god-awful safeties.
 
I am completely unfamiliar with the Chiappa and indeed had never heard of them until reading this post.

[dstegjas]

If the Remlin issues are your only concern about the Marlin 45/70. Then try and find a used Marlin that is in good condition. It's not that hard to find a JM stamped 45/70 in good condition.
Jim

[wolverine_1]

Have never owned one of the earlier Marlins except a 1894 (1924 vintage), but the 1895 in 45-70 I have now (with cross bolt safety) sure seems well made and quite accurate once I put a scope on it (my eyes not the gun).  I wouldn't be afraid to get another one if I wanted two. 

[Sierra Sherpa]

Thanks guys.  I'm ready to buy new and was hoping Marlin's QC problems were behind them. It's been about 5 yrs. since Remington took over and maybe things have improved.


Also, the Chiappa 1886 -- http://www.chiappafirearms.com/product/826 -- looks nice but I'm not familiar with the company.  I have a Uberti Highwall .45-70 that shoots and looks great and have consistently heard good stuff about Uberti and Pedersoli guns. 

[Blackhawk44]

Before making a final choice, check on the recent Miroku made Brownings/Winchesters.  Winchester is still bringing in some.  They would be be a strong preference over the Chiappa, especially for the same money.  All would be more comfortable for long range over the Marlin and offer more flexability with handloads.

[Oldshooter]

 

All would be more comfortable for long range over the Marlin and offer more flexability with handloads.

      Could you elaborate on that a little. Very curious. especially about the long range thing. Are they heavier or is it sights?

[Duke0313]

Another vote for the used Marlin.

[sharps4590]

I'm not certain what all Blackhawk has in mind but I would tend to agree with him.  It isn't the sights.  For any kind of long range accuracy the factory sights on both will have to be either changed or augmented.  I suspect one of the reasons is the weight, especially if one is considering the rifle and not the carbine.  The 86's are a fairly heavy rifle, heavier than the Marlin.  Over a long string that weight soaks up a lot of recoil.  If shooting from cross sticks it will also lay steadier.  It would also hold steadier offhand....for a while.  Then I believe the added weight might be a detriment.  The 86 rifle will also have a longer barrel, thus a longer sight radius and the longer barrel could make it more friendly to a wider range of loads.  It will be interesting to see what BH is thinking.

[Flynmoose]

I had an 1895G Marlin in 45-70 a few years ago. It was made before Marlin was sold. My only gripe was the ported barrel. It was accurate (only shot it at 100 yds.) and balanced well. If you reload, remember that the tubular magazine rifles need a pretty solid crimp. The single shots can get by with much less crimp. I have gone over to the dark side, Pedersoli rolling block, T/C Encore and Ruger 1S all in 45-70. The 30 inch barrel on the Pedersoli allows me to hit the gong st 500 yards with a tang sight. The longer sight radius really makes a difference.
FM

[Sierra Sherpa]

Speaking of Pedersolis, I just found this one online:  http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/cartridge-rifles/pedersoli-1886-rifle/pedersoli-1886-rifle-40-70-24-barrel-blue-finish-with-1x18-twist-6-grooves-straight-stock-model-s740-547.html. 


I believe the original Winchester 71 was only chambered in .348, but this one is offered in .45-70 (the link erroneously lists as "40-70"), which is what I'm interested in.  And Pedersoli seems to have more name recognition in the sporting arms circles here than Chiappa.  Many have opined that the Pedersoli Sharps hold their own against the Shiloh and C. Sharps guns in competition. 


I have considered the Miroku Winchesters.  They are fine looking guns, though I've always been nonplussed by the sheen-like finish common on Browning guns.  On the other hand, I hear the made-in-Japan Winchesters shoot well.


My Uberti Highwall has a 30" octagonal barrel and the gun shoots fine, though I've never tried it on the silhouette range yet.  Thanks for the replies.

[Lloyd Smale]

ive had two marlin cowboy 4570s and both were excellent guns.

[Sierra Sherpa]

Lloyd, were those the old Marlins or the post-Remington takeover Marlins?  I just checked a couple of my local stores and Marlins -- new or old -- seem to be rather scarce.

[eastbank]

you can never have enough 45-70,s. these are the ones i realy like. eastbank.