45-70 advice please

[Cookiemann]

I have never owned a center-fire rifle.  I really like the idea of having a lever gun, but I just don't have the budget for that right now.  I thought I would start with a 45-70 single NEF and work up from there.  This would give me the chance to get an education on shooting and reloading 45-70 ammo, as that is the model lever gun I would like to have.  What do ya think?

[Muskie Hunter]

Cookieman,
I have had bolt actions all my life with the exception of my father's old 30-30 Marlin 336. But recently,I just made a complete flip and bought my first lever gun in 45-70.I picked up the Marlin 1895 Guide Gun for $420.00 at Dicks Sporting Goods.I have to say that this is the most fun rifle that I have ever shot and I have shot quite a few in the past 40 years or so.I really like how the guide gun carries with it's short 18.5 inch barrel.I don't know anything about the NEF rifles but I am sure they will be just fine.I doubt anyone would build a cheaply made rife to fire up a 45-70 load.I just ordered reloading dies for mine too, as I can see this rifle getting shot alot and hunted exclusively.My better half liked mine so much when she shot it that she had to go and buy the stainless guide gun that was laying next to the blue one that I bought.She has shot my 30-06,270 win.,22-250 and Dad's 30-30,but when she rolled back with the recoil and looked at me,she had a smile on her face and then I knew that even that little 120 pound darling was hooked.So there you go.The 45-70 really leaves an impression on people that shoot it for the first time.
I have done my reserch a bit on the 45-70 and the Marlin Guide Gun and let me tell you,from what I read,you can really make the 45-70 a real tough guy on the block with all the different bullets and what they are intended for out there.
Good luck with your choice in rifles and the 45-70.You really can't go wrong.Stay within the limits of your loading manuals and start with the starting loads suggested.Be safe and enjoy,good shooting!

[Coyote Hunter]

Cookieman -

The NEF's ar OK and as a new reloader will probably offer more margin for error than a Marlin.  But they cannot touch the Marlins when it comes to look and feel, IMHO.

Good Marlins need not be that expensive.  I currently have 3, a .30-30, .375Win and a 22" .45-70.  I bought them all used and the most expensive was the .375 which is something of a collector item.  Paid $225 for th e.30-30 and $249.95 for the .45-70.  All three are excellent shooters.

I did make some modifications.  The .30-30 and .45-70 got homespun trigger jobs, the .375 got a Wild West Guns trigger and a new stock (a tear-off from a new rifle that WWG replaced with a Kevlar stock).  All three got Williams FireSight front beads ($17) and a Marlin "cut-out" sight hood ($5), perhaps the best investment I made for any of them.  All three also got Warne Quick Disconnect rings and bases.  The .45-70 got a Leupold 2-7x33 scope which I highly recommend, the .375 got a used Leupold M8 4x I picked up for $100.  I'll probably take a scope just like that one off my .257 Roberts (also picked up used for $100) and put it on the .30-30.

If you reload with caution and follow the instructions provided by various powder manufacturers, you'll be just fine.  You can load up to the 40,000 CUP laods listed for Marlins without too much worry, although an inexpensive chronograph is very, very useful - velocity is a direct result of pressure ad if you exceed the published velocity you need to worry about the pressure.  Period.  Play within the guidelines and you'll be safe.  If, on the other hand, you insist on using Ruger #1 loads in a Marlin you'll probably be visiting your local hospital.  Just remember that CAUTION is a very good thing.

[TennesseeNuc]

Cookieman,
Save up a little longer until your budget can handle the Marlin that you want.  You'll be happy that you did.  I've seen some really nice barely used Marlins go for a lot less than new ones.
Save your dollars and keep your eyes open and you'll come across what you want.
Best,
TnNuc

[big medicine]

Dont settle. Hold out for the Marlin you want, shop around you might be surprised to find that for a few bucks more you CAN have the Marlin. Walmart.com has the following prices for Marlins: 1895 45-70 $409.32, 1895G 45-70 $419.87, 1895 Cowboy 45-70 $532.14 that will give you a ball park idea. If you cant find anything cheaper your local Walmart can order one.

[darrell8937]

big medicine is correct, squirrell away the cash for your less than desireable gun and mow laws this spring, Deliver some Pizza. It is much better than to waite and get what you heart desires than have a unwanted gun in the safe and trying to sell it later. Good luck. I have had excelent luck on Auctionarms buying but you have to be paitent to get a good deal. Many bid just way to high. If you bid you must buy but you have a week of so to come up with the cash. You can usualy scrap up enough when the heat is on. Good luck. Love my Marlin. Well wish the thru bolt safety was not there. I do disable it when hunting. a small c-clip works nicely. locked in fire mode and use half cock. Was considered safe for many years, When hunting is over I remove it for a added measure of safety.

[redd7]

I hate to be the spoiler here, but I also own a 45/70 marlin, and I do like it. But for your first centerfire rifle keep in mind that it does kick some. As I get older I am getting softer and I find the recoil even with the limb saver recoil pad to be more than is fun for to long. Unless you need the power for hunting you may want to consider the same rifle in 45 colt or 44 mag. I am looking for one in 45 colt as I think that would make a "more Fun" plinking gun. Good Luck and I do agree with everyone else one one point. Don't compromise when it comes to what you want. Life is to short.

[darrell8937]

I also own a 1894 in 45 colt and is a lot of fun toothe 1895 45/70. Cowboy loads are inexspensive and eaiser on the shoulder than even mild factory loads. When you are comfortable with it.. a  heavy load such as Corbon or buffalo bore really rock.. They are exspensive which I guess is good as they do hurt.. I have a lead sled from Caldwell which takes nearly all the recoil away. Great for bench shooting. I highly recomend the lead sled.. about 120 bucks..

[oso45-70]

Cookieman,

Like most of the fellers have said, Go ahead and wait untill you get the money to buy your Marlin Lever gun. If you watch the net you might find a good used 45-70 at a price you can handle. I don't know what area you live in but if your town has gun shows you might pick one up at a good price. I have nothing against the NEF but i know you will be more satisfied with a marlin. heres wishing you the best of luck.......Joe........

[oso45-70]

Cookieman,

I just came from Predator masters and there is a Marlin 1895 GG 18" Barrel with scope and extra scope rings for $375.00 been used very little.
If you are interested this might be a good buy, If you are in the mood go to Predatormaster.com and scrol down to the classified section and log on.
You won' find a much better deal than this...........Joe.........

[tanoose]

Cookieman the Marlin is the gun to have but i also have the NEF handi rifle and for the price you cant beat it. Its a great shooter and with factory or light reloads  the recoil is just fine. The handi rifle is a fun range gun and i wouldn't hesitate to use it on deer.The marlin is great for deer  and in my opinion the best bear rifle around. Take a long look at the 1895GS this is the guide gun in stainless. Keeping your range to 200 yds max(my opinion) Its good from deer to moose and even those big bears of Alaska. Good luck Tanoose

[elyod56]

i own both a nef in 45-70 and a marlin lever in 444marlin. they are both great guns and i reload both calibers. i reload for the 444 because factory offerings were  very limited (when i started to reload) and you can save on ammo costs. with the 45-70 you also can save a great deal in costs and the nef will handle the mid range loads that are appropiate for the marlin 45-70. i load the 405gr lead to around 1300fps and the 400 gr. jacketed to about 1700. there is plenty of material to read up on both reloading manuals and articles in mags and books and the endevor should be a lot of fun.