Straight or Pistol Grip stock on Marlin 45-70?

[lgm270]

I like the look and feel of the stainless Marlin Guide Gun in 45.70  with its 18" barrel.  At the Clements custom gun smithing site, I read of their customizing work with Marlin rifles and they say that the pistol grip stock handles recoil better than the straight grip.  

Does anyone have any experience, impressions or opinions on this issue?

[TexasHorn]

I recently purchased the 1895G in 45/70. While shooting Federal 300 grain factory loads, I didn't feel that recoil was bad. I would compare it to my 12 gauge shotgun. I have read a lot of opinions on recoil and it comes down to one's perception and what they have shot in the past. Yes my Guide Gun has much more recoil than my 22 but I am one that thinks such guns as my 22 does not have recoil. Another comparison would be with my Rem 270. The Guide Gun has a bit more recoil. The big difference to me is the noise that the gun puts out. I sometime think that the louder the gun the more recoil that is perceived. Learning to allow your shoulder to move properly with recoil eliminates alot of the kick. In my humble opinion. I do not think the pistol grip will make that much of a difference.

TexasHorn :cb2:

[EsoxLucius]

If you get a Marlin with a straight grip how will you know any different?  I've had a Marlin 1895 since 1977 and I don't worry about it.

[Lloyd Smale]

most of my marlins are straight gripped mostly cause thats what i think a lever should look like. But i have to agree that the pistol grip is a little more comfortable to me with heavy loads.

[victorcharlie]

My friend has a straight grip winchester 94 in 30.30.  I have a Marlin 336 in .35 remington with a pistol grip.  We fired both multiple times and both of us  agreed the .35 with the pistol grip had much less felt recoil.  This was comparing 170 gn 30.30 to 200 grain factory loads.   Now, this really isn't apples to apples, but we both thought the .35 would recoil harder than the 30.30.  I think the pistol grip stock just fit both of us better than the straight stock.  
   
  Really, felt recoil has a lot to do with how the stock fits you, and how you mount the gun.  This becomes very apparent in a game such as sporting clays or five stand.  It's not unusual to fire several hundred rounds in a couple of hours........mount the gun wrong and a fellow leaves bruised.  
 
I also have a Marlin 1895.  The factory 405 grain remingtons are more of a push than sharp blow.  The 300 grain remingtons up the recoil a little.  The PMC 350 grain HA or +p+ is a fairly heavy recoiling load and is sharper and quicker.   Don't forget there are some very good recoil pads available.....I put a limbsaver on mine and was so amazed I had them installed on all my rifles.
 
The one thing I really like about the 45.70 in a modern action is the round is just so versatile.  Load it down and shoot cowboy.  Load it mild for deer, and load it up if you feel the need.  It's a great old round!

[phydaux]

I've had both straight and pistol grip stocks on Marlin rifles and I can not tell the difference in recoil.  Now I only have older Marlins with straight stocks, skinny forearms, no push button safety. To me a pistol grip on a lever gun is as ugly as a mans a$$!!!!!!

[targshooter]

I personally feel that the pistol grip handles recoil better. However, my Guide Gun with the straight stock does not cause loss in accuracy due to excessive recoil, even with fairly heavy loads. I can, however, shoot the older pistol grip .45-70 Model 1895 with heavier loads a little more comfortably.