45/70 lever guns

[The Blade]

Grant,

I've owned a Guide Gun for about 6 months now, and I've had more fun with that gun than any other that I can ever remember.  $300 for a gun with only 40 rounds through it is a great deal, assuming that the rifle is in nearly new shape.

I really wanted one of the GG's with the non-ported barrel, but I couldn't stand to wait and ended up with one with the ports.  I've killed several deer with the gun, and the noise never bothered me.  However, I handload, and was not shooting "full power" loads at the deer.  The deer didn't seem to notice that the bullet was only moving 1150 fps...

With no alterations, my GG will shoot cloverleaf groups at 50 yards (with a Williams peep sight.)  

Many folks like the longer barrells of the CB model, but the short barrelled gun sure is handy in the woods if you hunt!  A GG that's 3 years old will have the ported barrell.

Let us know what you decide.

The Blade

[mooner]

All the reproduction '86 guns were made by Miroku, both Winchester &
Browning versions of which there were several. I shoot an '86 with 26" barrel and pistol grip stock. It shoots 11/2" groups at 100 yds. It's heavy
which is good for extended shooting. I'm presently getting MVA sights
installed. Check Gun Auctions.com they have '86's for sale.

The Marlin Cowboy in 45-70 is also a very good accurate lever gun. It is
light weight and simple to clean. Great for hunting, but extended shooting
at the range will get very grim.  Both guns are available with a little looking on the web.

                                 MOONER

[Bullseye]

I have the standard Marlin 1895 an love it.  Have a Leupold 2-7x on it and currently have it shooting 1.5" groups at 50 yards and 2" groups at 100 yards and am still playing with it.

Personally I like the longer 22" barrel and the pistol grip, but it is personal preference.