Author Topic: What would you pick?  (Read 1140 times)

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Offline dave hall

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What would you pick?
« on: August 04, 2006, 03:23:33 PM »
I have to pick one of these both are in excellent cond..
Marlin 1895 Cowboy 26" Octagon bar. w/marbel tang sight and recoil pad.$463
OR
Marlin 1895 Guide Gun blued 18.5" bar. without any extras $403.00.                                           I will be hunting deer with one of these I like them both. I'm going to be using the new Hornady lever loads I know the 26" I can get all the proformance out of the round.I don't know how much I'll lose out of the 18.5".Let me know what you guys think.Thanks,Dave.
45-70,325gr.evolution 2050 vol. 3032 energy This is out of a 24" barrel.
NEF Handi SB2  .45-120 Sharps.
Stoeger Coachgun 20 Ga.
Ruger  SP101 4.2"  .357 Mag.
Rossi Ranch Hand (Mares Leg) 45 LC

Offline TreyAzagthoth

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Re: What would you pick?
« Reply #1 on: August 04, 2006, 03:30:24 PM »
will this be a heavy brush gun?
if it were me I'd get the guide gun and put a limbsaver recoil pad on it, instead of whatever recoil pad that comes on the 26 inch as an  extra.
I know what you're thinking. "Did he fire six shots or only five?"
Well, to tell the truth I shoot a Springfield XD so it doesnt really matter.

Offline Redhawk1

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Re: What would you pick?
« Reply #2 on: August 04, 2006, 05:27:28 PM »
I like the Guide gun, just something about a short barrel in the woods. You can pick up more velocity with the 26 inch barrel though. I guess it comes down to what you want the most.
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Offline ScoutMan

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Re: What would you pick?
« Reply #3 on: August 05, 2006, 11:17:32 AM »
Dave,

If it were  me, I'd give up the velocity of the 26" barrel for the "handiness" of the 20". The 45-70 is not a velocity cartridge.
If you can get closer, get closer
If you can get steadier, get steadier.

A telescope helps you see; it does not help you hold and squeeze.-Jeff Cooper

Offline Snowshoe

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Re: What would you pick?
« Reply #4 on: August 05, 2006, 03:13:28 PM »
The 26" barrel will tame the recoil a little. I had the Handi rifle in .45-70, and it booted you pretty hard. It was very fast handling in the bush, but a brute at the bench when sighting in.
Snowshoe

Offline victorcharlie

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Re: What would you pick?
« Reply #5 on: August 05, 2006, 03:30:20 PM »
They're both very nice guns......It's really a matter of personal preference as both will do a find job for just about any game.

This is a good problem to have because no matter which you pick you can't be wrong!

It is a hard choice though and I'd probably pick the cowboy. 

"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. Tolerance in the face of tyranny is no virtue."
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Offline leverfan

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Re: What would you pick?
« Reply #6 on: August 07, 2006, 09:14:40 AM »
Despite hunting in the brushy rain forests of western Washington, I'd get the 26" barreled rifle.  My centerfire rifles sport barrels from 22" on up to 32", with an average of 25.5".  I prefer the balance and looks of a longer barreled rifle, and I'm a sucker for octagon barrels, too.

Strictly speaking performance, I bet you and the deer won't notice the difference between the two rifles.  The shorter rifle will be easier to carry and could be faster handling.  You can also put a red dot scope on top of the short rifle without hurting the looks, because it's already ugly. ;D
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Offline Dan Cash

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Re: What would you pick?
« Reply #7 on: August 08, 2006, 12:35:44 AM »
The 1895 would be my choice.  I have one and it handles KY brush very well.  I have had really short carbines but they did not balance as well and I could find no advantage with them in the brush.  Horseback is something else.

Offline Oldtimer

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Re: What would you pick?
« Reply #8 on: August 11, 2006, 01:58:01 AM »
I'd choose the rifle based on how it handles for you, not for barrel length.  I have a Ruger #3 in .45-70 and it kicks enough that I have never wanted to try shooting it from a bench. The purpose of the gun was not to be a target gun, but a hunter and it fells the bill quite nicely.  If you want to do a lot of shooting, the longer rifle will be a lot kinder with full-power loads.  If your interest is strictly hunting in THICK cover, then consider the carbine. I have had to go into cover so that, following up on a wounded deer, that I had to leave my rifle behind and just use a handgun, but that has been much the exception.  For the most part, I want a gun that fits me well.  I bought a Winchester Timber Carbine because when I picked it up and put it to my shoulder with my eyes closed, I was looking down the sights when I opened my eyes.   I have to agree with Victorcharlie, you don't have a bad choice either way.  Have fun!

Offline daddywpb

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Re: What would you pick?
« Reply #9 on: August 12, 2006, 02:20:04 AM »
I'd go with the Guide Gun all the way. You couldn't pry mine away from me. Once I found the right load for it, it shoots great. It's an easy to carry powerhouse.

Offline humbayshooter

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Re: What would you pick?
« Reply #10 on: August 17, 2006, 07:14:31 PM »
Having read all the posts, I'll agree that the gun  has to fit. THAT is the most important thing. It should be an extention of you.
I shoot an 1895 made in 1972 with a unported 20" barrel. Great no matter where I am!

Have you thought about buying both? (Come on, I know everyone thought o that!) ;D
Running is good for your heart, Standing your ground is good for your soul.

Offline Swamp Yankee

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Re: What would you pick?
« Reply #11 on: August 18, 2006, 12:43:15 PM »
Dave
 I had a chance to shoot one of the cowboys with the 26" barrel but it was in 38-55. If I had a choice I think I would go with the 38-55 as the recoil in a 45-70 lever gun is quite stout. Nice gun all in all. Jim