Thinking about a 45-70 for hogs.

[DalesCarpentry]

Hey guys. I am thinking of getting a Marlin 1895 45-70 with a 22'' barrel for hog hunting. I foud one on the net for $505.00 is that a good deal ? To the people that own them do you like it ? Have any of you ever shot it for groups ? I was wondering how it groups and the over all quality of this gun. My first rifle was a 30-30 Marlin with a 3x9 Bushnell scope on top. I loved that gun and was happy with it till it got stolen 20 years ago. If you would just give me your thoughts on this gun. Thanks.   

[Cottonwood]

Hey guys. I am thinking of getting a Marlin 1895 45-70 with a 22'' barrel for hog hunting. I foud one on the net for $505.00 is that a good deal ? To the people that own them do you like it ? Have any of you ever shot it for groups ? I was wondering how it groups and the over all quality of this gun. My first rifle was a 30-30 Marlin with a 3x9 Bushnell scope on top. I loved that gun and was happy with it till it got stolen 20 years ago. If you would just give me your thoughts on this gun. Thanks.   

No, this is not a good price.  You can find them in Sporting Good Stores for under $500.  I found a Guide Gun and paid Only $399.00 used but looks NIB.  Gunsamerica you can find them cheaper even Marlin 1895 for $493.00 and this Guide Gun for $475.00 and this Marlin 1895 22"barrel for $465.00  Get the picture, they are out there cheaper.  I found several yesterday at a Sporting Good Store in Great Falls for aroun $489.00 ea without any shipping and handling plus the FFL fee you will pay for having one shipped from any online supplier.

Shop around, if you have a local sporting good store or gun dealer, chances are you can order at his cost plus 10% for a nice total.

Take care and good luck

[DalesCarpentry]

Thanks alot. Do you by chance own one ? wonder how the 450 compares to the 45-70 ?

[Thebear_78]

THe 45/70 will do everything that the 450 will and can be had in a better variety of factory ammo, from light plinkers to heavy loads.  I have a guide gun and really like it.  You will be surprised at how well they shoot.   I would go with a scout scope setup or possibly a 1-4 leupy or 1.5-5.  You don't really need that much magnification and standard mounted scopes tend to mess up the balance of a good lever gun imho.

[Skunk]

Hi Dale,

I'm assuming that the 1895 you are speaking of is brand new and the $505 doesn't include shipping or the FFL transfer fee. If I'm correct, then, its not too bad of a deal but you could get it cheaper.

Here is a link to the Classic 1895 on Gunbroker. Given that your FFL guy charges around $20.00 for a transfer and that shipping on this particular auction is $25.00, and you bid the minimum bid of $459.95, you could have this one out the door and to your house for around the same price:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=67964472

You can also get the Blue/Walnut 1895 Guide Gun in 45-70 for around that price:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=68145931

I'm not trying to sell guns here. I'm just pointing out that there are some deals to be had if we look around. But I'd say $505 is right in the ballpark for that rifle.

Skunk

[DalesCarpentry]

Thanks Skunk.

[hicard]

I have an 1895 GS and just love it.  I will be more accurate than you can imagine and a ton of fun to shoot with light to moderate loads.  You can even load them hot if you can stand the heat.  I enjoy my GS more than any other rifle in my safe.

[Cottonwood]

My 1895G is still on layaway, but should have it off soon, and out in the field.  I plan on hunting real soon with it... Spring Black Bear season is upon us next month.  I have already begun to load for it using a nice 405-gr FN cast bullet that is just made for the Marlin 

[Redhawk1]

If that is a used gun, I would say it is to high. I have a Stainless Steel Guide Gun 45-70 and I love it. As far as 45-70 or 450, get the 45-70, the ammo is more available and a bunch to choose from. If you reload the 45-70 will do anything the 450 will do. 

[Mad Dog]

Keep looking, you can get a better deal.  I have had my .45-70 guide gun for about 5 yrs.  Bought it very slightly used for $350.  Its made 2 trips to Texas, 1 to Idaho, and is going to South Africa with me in July 2008.  I've killed 5 hogs, a javelina, and a black bear with it.  I LOVE this gun.  You will find what you are looking for, just be patient.

Mad Dog

[DalesCarpentry]

Thanks guys I will keep looking.

[Warhawk]

If you liked the 30-30 Marlin, you'll love the 45/70.

There are several versions of the Marlin 45/70. In the past they have made some Limited Editions, you can currently get a new 1895:

1895S - 22 inch barrel, blue, pistol grip walnut stock
1895 Cowboy - 26 inch octagon barrel, straight grip walnut stock
1895G - 18.5 inch guide gun, blue, straight grip, walnut
1895GS  - same as the 1895G in stainless
1895XLR - 24 inch bbl, stainless, gray laminated pistol grip stock

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/


These are my 45/70's, L to R a cut down Browning 1886, Marlin 1895 LTD III, 1975 vintage Marlin 1895

[DalesCarpentry]

Still looking. Went by My local gun store today and he said he could order me one in for $500.00. I think I could do better.

[quickdtoo]

Dale, keep looking, a new one can be had for well under $500...

http://rrarms.com/catalog.php?action=1037&brand=MLCR&cali=45-70%20Cal

[McLernon]

Dale:

Did you handle the XLR with the 24 inch barrel? Put one up to your shoulder before you buy the Classic and see what you think. I bought one and put a 3-9X Bushy Elite on it. Very accurate and a pleasure to shoot with top Trapdoor loads.

Good Hunting

Mc

[no guns here]

Yup, that .45-70 will do a great job on the hogs... I have three myself, a G2 pistol barrel, an 1895 SS and an 1895 Cowboy.  Love them all.  Almost any load will put down the hogs with authority although personally I had a great shot on a 300 pounder in a 'Bama swamp about 8 years ago with my 1895 SS and 400 grain hard cast lead at about 1700 fps.  Comin' straight at me (not chargin') and at the shot he flipped completely over backward and landed on his back stone-cold dead.  In the front and out the back.  Messy but effective.  If you get the Cowboy, you'll definitely want to have recoil pad fitted.  That hard plastic butt plate just hurts...

ngh

[davem270win]

I picked a guide gun up at Gander Mt. in Harrisburg last year for about 450.00 new. Unless you're sensitive to recoil, you won't be sorry. If you cruise the right gun show, you should be able to pick one up for even less, just don't get one that's ported.

I've been very impressed with the accuracy of mine. I mounted a 1 - 4 shotgun scope, but the ghost ring sights are another good option.