new Marlin 1895 Cowboy

[shilo]

I'd been kicking around buying a new lever gun for the last couple of weeks and I finally decided to go with the 1895 Cowboy. I liked the octagon barrel, slim forearm, and lack of checkering. I was initially thinking of having the barrel and mag tube cut back to 20", but the more I handle it the more I am liking the 26" barrel. Just seems to balance nice. The long sight radius should be helpful and the long barrel should be worth a few extra fps. I'm going to put a peep sight on it, maybe xs or foolproof. Any recommendations? Also,  I assume heavy loads in it are OK?

[PeterB]

Shilo,
I got a 1895 CB a few years ago.  It is my favorite riffle to shoot.  I wanted it for the exact reasons you listed.  Octagon barrel, straight grip and no checkering.  Most beautiful gun I own (except perhaps for the 1894 CB in 45LC that my wife got me for Christmas,  still haven't fired it).  I put a Marbels tange site on mine and added a wild west trigger.  Groups pretty nice for a guy with crappy eyes.  Yes it will handle any load designated for newer lever model guns.  I have shot some rounds that require asparin afterwards.  I preffer to shoot lead bullets and reduced loads because I want to shoot it alot.  You need this riffle.  I refer to mine as Big-Medicine.  By the way, if you cut the barrel you will surely go to hell.

[shilo]

PeterB, They are an eloquent rifle. Kind of takes you back to simpler times. I ordered a Williams Foolproof with an elevation target knob. Going to leave the barrel alone. Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. My wife bought me a 1894 Ltd in 44 (16.5") for Cristmas 1989. Good wives!

[shilo]

PeterB, They are an eloquent rifle. Kind of takes you back to simpler times. I ordered a Williams Foolproof with an elevation target knob. Going to leave the barrel alone. Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. My wife bought me a 1894 Ltd in 44 (16.5") for Cristmas 1989. Good wives!

[Dee]

By eloquent I assume you mean the sound it makes when it goes off. Mine is elegant! (just kidding) I have a marble tang for mine but I like heavy cast loads and the marble occasionally bites when not in use as the grip is changed to go around the sight. The other gentleman is correct in stating that one might be condemed to everylasting fire for trimming the barrel on such a master piece. I have settled on a 405gr hard-cast at 1750fps as my standard load for anything walking and they are big medicine on feral hogs although hogs are not a mythically as hard to kill as some write. I usually use a 223 in an AR15. I know what your thinking and no I don't. One shot is usually enough. But anyway, congrats on the rifle. They trully put the hunt back into hunting.

[tomzuki]

Well said, all of you.  I also purchased an 1895 Cowboy in 45-70 about four years ago.  I saw her on the rack at the store an fell in love with her.  Really didn't have a need for her, as I have for all the others, but just loved the looks, lines and lever action.  Did I mention the Lever, very cool.  Oct. barrel and twenty six inches.  I thought I could stoke up a few rounds on the bench for her and match the .450.  I used a 405gr jacketed flatpoint and enough H322 to rattle my teeth.  Cant shoot that load much but did purchase some lead and loaded down so I could enjoy shooting her.  One day she and I will get in front of a Bison and she can show what she can do.  She makes me feel like my first girlfreind in High School! :wink:

[oso45-70]

[/b]Tomzuki

Welcome to gbo and the marlin forum. I think you will like it here. I like youe choice of fire arms I have three of them, a cowboy and two Guide guns, One stainless and one Blue. The blue one has a ported barrel and the stainless don't, I seem to favor the stainless better for some reason.
Good luck and safe shooting ............Joe.........