Further test results and conclusions: Alaska lever action speed/accuracy test.
2017 RIFLE TEST
RIFLES: Winchester M-71 Caliber: 450 Alaskan 22 in Barrel Pistol grip Stock---------------------- Marlin Guide Gun Caliber: 45-70 18.5 inch barrel Straight stock
Users of both the Winchester Model 71 and the Marlin 1895 Guide Gun reported their initial impressions of both rifles against bolt rifles.
They then exchanged lever action models and recorded their results. {Owners agreed that a Browning Model 71 in 24 inch barrel would handle similarly}.
Both rifles utilized heavy 400 gr cast lead and jacketed bullets. Velocities were in the 1800 to 2000 FPS range.
The accuracy and speed of action cycling of the Model 71 were faster and more on target than the performance of the Marlin Guide Gun. The rifle's action also felt smoother.
This was noticed by the owner of the Guide Gun as well as the other shooters. Owners again exchanged rifles, and the shooting impressions were noted as the same.
Reasons: The group of shooters voiced their shooting impressions and equally stated that stock design and barrel length were critical factors in speed of handling and accuracy.
The shorter barrel handicapped the Marlin 1895 in fast handling and accuracy, while the pistol grip of the Model 71 with 22 inch barrel greatly assisted action cycling and smooth operation.
The Model 71 in 450 Alaskan was also the more accurate of the two, additionally producing higher bullet velocity due to barrel length. There seems to be a definite correlation
between barrel length at 22 in or greater, pistol grip stock, and the physics of smooth fast cycling of the lever in these two lever action rifles. Since rifles of this class and caliber
are used for bear hunting and/or protection against dangerous game-which very well may require repeat shots-smooth action functioning is critical. Balance in smooth action
function may actually require a slightly longer barrel.
Wild West Guns in Anchorage produces the Co-Pilot in 457 Magnum and 45-70. The 45-70 will chamber in the 457 barrel chamber. While that rifle is produced in shorter
barrel lengths, the group -based on their experience-would order a Co-Pilot with pistol grip and at least a 22 inch barrel. The 457 Magnum will equal the 450 Alaskan in bullet velocity,
barrel lengths being equal. A message was sent to Marlin Firearms, requesting consideration that their Guide Gun be offered with a 22 in barrel and pistol grip butt stock configuration.
