Author Topic: Marlin 450 or 45-70, Browing, Marlin, or Winchester? (Read 1098 times)

Teddy · « **on:** November 01, 2004, 05:53:08 PM »

My question is not related to the difference in the 45-70 and the 450, let's assume they are the same for this comparison. Has anyone used the following models and have reason to prefer one over the other:

Browning BLR Lightweight `81
Marlin 1895M
Marlin 1958MR
Winchester 1886 Extra Light
Winchester Model 94 Timber

What are the pros and cons? Best quality?

Lawdog · « **Reply #1 on:** November 06, 2004, 09:19:05 AM »

Teddy,

The Browning BLR has one advantage over the others. With it you can use pointed/spitzer type bullets Safely. Lawdog

300winman · « **Reply #2 on:** November 30, 2004, 01:46:04 AM »

I have owned the 1895m in 450 marlin, I did not like the straight stock or the 18.5 ported barrel. Even with porting the gun was hard to keep ahold of. I shot my father's 1895 in 45/70 with comparable ammo and the 22 inch barrel seemed to be more manageable and lighter recoil. And the pistol-grip stock felt alot better. If it were me I would go with 1895MR in 450 marlin, for the price and quality you can't beat a marlin. And you can mount a scope if you want(unlike the winchesters).

Rmouleart · « **Reply #3 on:** November 30, 2004, 09:04:28 AM »

I own a 450 Marlin guidegun and enjoy shooting it, I guess to some people recoil can be a problem, but not for me, I only notice recoil at the range, when shoot at game never notice the recoil at all. 450 guidegun is a nice carry in the field, 18 inch barrel is a perfect brushgun, If you reload you can tame the recoil quite a bit, I found using 350gr interlock FP on top 57gr Varget,cci Mag primers, Lee factory crimp, 1780fps, very accurate, I got this load from Hornady, due to it was not listed for the 350gr Interlock. The 450 is a hard hitter, if recoil is a big problem, I would think of something smaller with less recoil. Aim small hit small. RAMbo.

Questor · « **Reply #4 on:** November 30, 2004, 09:58:53 AM »

It seems like ease of carry is a key criterion. I personally like the Winchester guns for that. I think that's why they're still around after all these years. I just like the feel better in my hands than the Marlins. I haven't tried the Browning.

KN · « **Reply #5 on:** November 30, 2004, 11:48:12 AM »

I also have the 450 guide gun. It is a bear to shoot. Recoil is severe with full house loads. I put a XS ghost sight on it and love it. It only takes about 25rds for me to be done with it though. After that I'm starting to shake while pulling the trigger. Lots of fun though. KN

tbmaker · « **Reply #6 on:** November 30, 2004, 03:38:17 PM »

I'm with 300, I really like my 1895 in 45-70 with a Decelarator pad.
I prefer the pistol grip and 22" barrel, just balances better for me.

TScottO · « **Reply #7 on:** November 30, 2004, 06:21:46 PM »

I have the Browning and couldnt be more satisfied. Brownings worst feature in my opinion is the aluminum receiver. Its functions well but I prefer all steel. The Browning is more refined, smooth, and accurate. The magazine makes loading and unloading much easier. Ive never liked having to cycle the action to unload a gun.

Be Safe,
Scott