Doe's any one have one of these? And what do you think of it? Thinking one of these will probably be my next purchase, though I've been trying to hold out untill the come out with one in stainless.

Phil

[color:"blue"]I wish these came out before the ported 1895Ms. The MRs are absolutely gorgeous and have a longer barrel to take full advantage of the mighty 450 as well as a pistol gripped stock.
As soon as I have enough dough, I will be adding one of these to the closet
Ranger [/color]

Just picked up my 1895MR yesterday. I've read a lot on the choice between 45/70 and .450 Marlin and chose the latter. One reason is that the .450 Marlin is a technological advance that will allow me to benefit from flatter ballistics over distance. The less I have to think in a split second shot-of-the-lifetime scenario, the better.

I also decided to pass up the ported 1895's. At this point in my life, I would rather absorb the extra kick from the lack of porting rather than subject my ears to the increased blast. I have a Browning A-Bolt II with the BOSS system in 7-mag that I dearly love, but it leaves my right ear ringing if I'm not careful (or don't have the chance) to use hearing protection.

One of the best arguments I've heard in favor of the 45/70 is the availability of cheap and plentiful ammo. Along those lines, I can just as easily reload the .450 Marlins, and as a solo backpack hunter, I doubt that I'm going to forget my ammo any more than I would forget a water purifier before heading into the wilderness for a week's hunt.

At this point, I'm debating between a Leupold 2.5X-25 Scout Scope setup (with possible ghost rings) or a Leupold 2-7x-33 VX-II. Any comments or suggestions along those lines would be appreciated.

Scott

Personally, I have a 3.5-10X Leupold on my bigbores.
The 2-7 would probably be fine.
I have never been a fan of the scout setup.
Just my .03
Ranger

I've had a non ported 1895M for about a year now. I like the short barrel and straight grip. It shoots great with factory & hand loads, so far I'm using open sights. The 1985MR should be even better with the longer barrel. Go for it, the .450 is a great cartridge for anything you would want to use it for......

Loaded to their potential in Marlin lever guns the 45-70 Gov't and 450 Marlin are virtual ballistic equivalents. That means there was no technological advance that allows the 450 Marlin flatter trajectory. If you compare the one commercial load for the 450 Marlin with the similar PMC Silver 45-70 load there is little difference between the two. Handloaded they are virtually the same. Hence, the 450 Marlin is a technological advance that does absolutely nothing more than the 130 year old 45-70 can do.

Jackfish,

Perhaps I misspoke. I agree with you that the ballistics are about the same, but the sense I get (from reading, not in-the-field experience) is that the 450 Marlin is the equivalent of a heavy 45/70 load. My thought was as the 450 becomes more common, new loads will be developed, and I figured it would be fun to be in on the experimentation. That the 45/70 is flexible, tried and true I agree completely.

Prior to going with the 450, I went back and forth on the 45/70, and still have second thoughts at times. OTOH, I've seen some articles comparing the brass with the conclusion that the 450 can handle greater pressures. That was the advance I was referring to. If I'm wrong, time will tell, but at least I've got another good project to ponder during the lull of February and March.

I get the sense you know what you are talking about, and I don't presume to speak from any great knowledge. I just got a hankerin' for a kick-butt lever action, and I'm sure that I would have fallen in love regardless of whether 450 or 45/70. As matters stand, I'm going to have to wait for awhile, because the 1895MR is being withheld by the Mrs. on the grounds that it is to be my birthday present. I'm figuring to go along with her plan right up until the time I get the scope installed.

Along those lines, looks like I can pick up a Leupold 2-7x33 Rifleman for under $120 on eBay. I like Leupolds, and with the advancing years and my recent bouts with "long arm syndrome" trying to read the newspaper, I feel like a scope is the way to go.

Thanks for your input.

Scott

Yes, 450 Marlin brass can withstand higher pressures ... in a modern bolt action. Which makes absolutely no difference when loaded in a Marlin lever gun.



It is interesting to note that the 450 Marlin is in a similar position as the 45-70 has been. That is available firearms that allow exceeding SAAMI pressure specifications. The 450 Marlin can be taken to 60,000+ psi in a modern bolt action, while SAAMI spec is 43,500 psi.



Either the 450 Marlin or the 45-70 are a great choice. I just pipe up when claims are made about one or the other that are not correct.



I like Leupolds too! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Yes, 450 Marlin brass can withstand higher pressures ... in a modern bolt action. Which makes absolutely no difference when loaded in a Marlin lever gun.

----------------------------

Geez, whatever you do, don't tell my wife. That's part of the rationale to get her to OK the extra bucks for the 1895MR rather than the base model. Looks like another perfectly good rationalization is going on the trash heap of logic.

And so it goes.

Scott

JF: I can still argue that the factory loads are hotter, can't I? Hate to totally abandon a position.

Well at least you can say the 450 Marlin ammo is cheaper than the available 45-70 ammo that surpasses it.

Buffalo Bore Ammo at Cabelas

PMC Silver 45-70HA ammo is close at $19 a box.

PAScott.....Enjoy your new modern rifle. Chances are that you will be putting the Factory ammo in the same hole at 50 yards. If you read other Forums you will see that the .450 & 45-70 debate is a losing argument with some people and eventually you will get spit on. Just kidding! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> All I can comment on is the .450, I hunt with it in the Adirondacks and shoot the heck out of it during the off season. I can't pass judgment on the 45-70 because I don't own one....Yet!