I can not get over how well my 1895 45/70 shoots. I got to spend an hour and one half at the range last Sun and I took the 45/70, a Handi in the same caliber and a Stevens 200 in .308. When I got there the 50-yard station was taken by two fellows that were uncasing a series of rat-a-tat-tat guns. That was all right, as I wanted the 100-yard bench. Soon after this about eight or so of their buddies blew in and proceeded to monopolize both the 50 yard and the 25 yard benches for the rest of my session. About half of the bunch had evidently never shot a gun before so let's give them an AK-47----right! Getting back to my session, I don't know if it was the circus going on off to my right or if I got a couple of different loadings mixed up or what, but the 200 was all over the place. This gun is ordinarily real reliable and accurate. I checked the scope mount, etc still don't know what went on. Sure hope the scope hasn't gone south. When I went to the 1895, loaded with Rem 300 HP over Re#7, I was really amazed at how well it grouped at 100 yards. I am really happy with this gun. I had a few 405 SPs that I also shot up and they shot at another spot but also in a nice group. As time was running out on me I didn't get to shoot the Handi. I usually shoot it with trapdoor loads and 300 gr. cast bullets. It does OK but is not in the same ballpark as the 1895.
I took my 1895 44 mag to the gunsmith to cure its case of the Marlin Jams and to have a Limbsaver pad put on it. To get good accuracy with it I have to shoot H110 and Hornady bullets and with the factory butplate they are a little hard on my shoulder. Gunsmith says about two weeks on it.
RJ