Mariln 1895G guide gun
Question:
> Just checked out a marlin guide gun 45-70 at a gun shop. It is really > neat. Wondered how people are using it and what type loads it is capable > of? Is it mechanically reliable? fast loading? It looks like it would be > good for whitetail in thick stuff, pigs?, and other critters at fairly > close range. Is it good for bear for either hunting or protection? > address. Thanks for info. Bob
It does it all pretty well. It is noisy as all ported guns are. Can’t speak for a second hand gun, but generically speaking, Marlin 1895G and 1895ss models are very strong and reliable. It can handle all but the hottest handloads and with level 2 loads is a decent gun for browns. It is fine for black bear with factory loads. Cor-bon makes a reasonably hot 350 grain load you can find at some stores. It makes a very hot 350 that I have only seen sold by wild west guns in anchorage. Something like 2100fps at 350gr. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
> Just checked out a marlin guide gun 45-70 at a gun shop. It is really > neat. Wondered how people are using it and what type loads it is capable > of? Is it mechanically reliable? fast loading? It looks like it would be > good for whitetail in thick stuff, pigs?, and other critters at fairly > close range. Is it good for bear for either hunting or protection?
Mine is still a little stiff, but I haven’t shot mine enough to smooth out the action and it could still use a trigger job. I’ve only shot it with 405’s (lead and jacketed, both at around 1200 fps) and 300’s (jacketed factory loads at 1700 fps). With a Lyman receiver sight and a Brockman post front I can keep inside three inches at 100 yards. I noticed the recoil at the bench, but not when firing from improvised position. Can’t speak to the noise level as I’ve only shot it with ears on. I figure the Guide Gun is a great deer gun with normal loads and a serious of security blanket with the full power 400’s at 1700 fps. It’s a lot of gun for the money and plenty of power in about as handy a package as you’ll find. I tell anyone who will listen to buy one. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
> Just checked out a marlin guide gun 45-70 at a gun shop. It is really > neat. Wondered how people are using it and what type loads it is capable > of? Is it mechanically reliable? fast loading?
I load my 1895SS to mid-Ruger levels, as shown in Hodgdons 25th load manual 56 Grains of 322 behind a 300 grain bullet. No pressure signs, and "hunting accurate" off hand 4-5" at 100 yards. Mechanically mine was a mess. Cycling the lever tore the butt pad from my shoulder every time with the hammer down. It felt as if stones or sand were inside the action. The gun must have been made SO fast that the entire bolt, and mating surfaces looked like all Marlins tools had been worn out years gone by. It took several hours gingerly taking off the ratty machine marks to slick it up. Now it’s a work of art. You may ask WHY did I buy it? Because due to some quirk, the gun had a BEAUTIFUL exhibition grade butt stock, worth the price of the gun, so I decided to live with it, and clean it up myself. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining too much about a sub $400 gun, I AM letting you know you need to SEE the gun you get, and pass on any as bad as mine. I have seen some that were really well done and having 2 or 3 to select from like in a gun show, would be a real plus. Regards, Gary 10 MM Info site http://www.wizkidscomp.com/10mm Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
> I must ask this question…I bought a .44 mag lever action. I debated > long about the 45-70 guide gun vs. .44 mag. The reason I chose as I > did had to do with target shooting. and recoil. Now the question. If > you had the same shot with a 20 inch barrel but a .44 magnum 310 grain > hard cast, would the shot have been just as effective? > Bill
I am nbot too sure who the question is directed to but few would debate the 44mag and the 45-70 are in entirely different leagues. The 45-70 is a very heavy round. In some guns capable of the top hot loads (not the marlin which isn’t quite that strong), it apparently has been used effectively on Cape Buffalo! Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
I must ask this question…I bought a .44 mag lever action. I debated long about the 45-70 guide gun vs. .44 mag. The reason I chose as I did had to do with target shooting. and recoil. Now the question. If you had the same shot with a 20 inch barrel but a .44 magnum 310 grain hard cast, would the shot have been just as effective? Bill Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
Thomas M. Reynolds >It looks like it would be > good for whitetail in thick stuff, pigs?, and other critters at fairly > close range
Killed a 250#+ sow pig with one shot at 60 yards about eight weeks ago. Never twitched or moved after the hit to the head. Have to recommend it for pigs. mb PS some of the best BBQ I ever had came from that darling sow. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
Just checked out a marlin guide gun 45-70 at a gun shop. It is really neat. Wondered how people are using it and what type loads it is capable of? Is it mechanically reliable? fast loading? It looks like it would be good for whitetail in thick stuff, pigs?, and other critters at fairly close range. Is it good for bear for either hunting or protection? address. Thanks for info. Bob Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
