Which to buy - Guide Gun or 22" 1895

[jpuke]

I've been fantasizing for about two years and I finally have the funds necessary to get 45-70.  I just can't decide between the guide gun and the 1895.  I hear that the straight stock on the guide gun makes it horrible for recoil, but I like the more compact size.  The 1895 is $450 and the Guide gun is $550 which makes me lean to the 1895 for the price.  In a perfect world I would just buy both but that isn't an option.  Any opinions would be great.

[K2]

Jpuke

I got a chance to try a new 1895 Guide gun this past weekend.  This was the new model without porting in stainless.  Recoil is an individual thing, but to me it was not bad at all and I would not hesitate in running 20 rounds thru it at the range.

I was wondering the same thing myelf and now my question has been answered.  At 130 yards I was hitting a coffee can Standing or kneeling with the open sights.  Plenty good for my purpose which is to carry teh gun lots and shoot little in big brown bear country.  The range we shot at here in Alaska had Brownie tracks on it from the day before  :wink: from a 10 foot bear.  I like the stainless and the charcoal gray stock.  

During the same time I had the oportunity to shoot the new S&W .500.  That is a real handful and convinced me there can be too much of a good thing.  I am now keeping my eyes open for a 45-70 in the short version myself.  

I've been fantasizing for about two years and I finally have the funds necessary to get 45-70.  I just can't decide between the guide gun and the 1895.  I hear that the straight stock on the guide gun makes it horrible for recoil, but I like the more compact size.  The 1895 is $450 and the Guide gun is $550 which makes me lean to the 1895 for the price.  In a perfect world I would just buy both but that isn't an option.  Any opinions would be great.

[Bullseye]

I have the 22" version.  I prefer the longer length myself, I think they handle and point better.  I have a Win Trapper with a 16" barrel and it just seems short.  I think a 20" barrel like my 1894FG has is a good compromise

It is a personal preference though.

[jpuke]

Thanks guys, I ordered an 1895 last night and I'm anxiously awaiting its arrival.

[Mauser]

I guess I'm a little late on this, but I think you won't regret going with the standard 1895.  I've owned both the guide gun and the '95 having traded the former for the latter and I'm very happy with my decision.

IMHO the reg. '95 handles recoil better (with heavy loads this is important) and produces better velocity numbers.  I've never been much of a stainless steel guy anyway.  The extra length and weight aren't that much of a negative, for me anyway.

[oso45-70]

Jpuke,
Well i guess i'm too late too, But since i'm here i might as spill the beans too, I have all three so to speak, I have the cowboy modle and also the
Guide guns Both the blue GG with compensator and the stainless GS with out, I can't tell much differencs in the kicking, ( both kick like a mule ) I also have one in the Ruger # 1 and it don't kick nearly as hard as the Marlins, Good luck and stay safe.............Joe.............

[Old Griz]

:cb2: I've got one of the old Micro-groove 1895SS models, and it is extermely accurate. I like the longer barrel, cuz I want to squeeze all the performance I can get out of the old .45-70. If you're gonna scope it, I suggest you get a shotgun scope with 5" of eye relief. (Unless you like the idea of new scars across your forehead.)

[oso45-70]

Old Griz.
Aw come on Griz, You know them little ol Marlins don't kick so hard. Just about like a 22lr. In one of the posts above some one said he was getting the longer barreled 95,,,,,,,,,Well let me tell ya some thing i just sold my 95 cow boy and i think if any thing it kicked harder than the two guide guns do. In all fairness none of them kick that bad, But they do make one hell of a lot of noise and you do need to keep your head back
far enough not to get ( scope eye) Some times referred to as( weatherby
eye) Good luck to all and stay safe.........Joe.........

[Old Griz]

:cb2: oso45-70; The first time I fired that thing with a regular 3x9 on it I sure wuz glad I had on safety glasses. For about 15 minutes or so I kept feeling my forehead and feeling for blood. It sure felt like it oughta be bleeding, but it didn't. Surprised it didn't break my shootin glasses anyway. Naw, it don't kick. Ah . . . remind me never to buy one of your used cars!  

[Don Dick]

They do not kick, they thump so there.