You can put the above Ruger Marlin "Trapper" in the "Crapper"! Disrespect intended. OK, true that just my opinion for sure. But to me the "lever genre" is best expressed in 'classic'. I'm good for the Marlins in 336 through 1980, with earlier the better! Below pix from 1972 which was either first year or 'nearly so' I believe as intro of 45/70. My one of two here in B sn prefix. Here B0011xx sn. Just the KISS Principle, of keeping it simple. Not suggesting necessarily this simple but 'works for me'!
I’ve got a 1972 Marlin 45-70. I like it, but not nearly as much as I do my Pedersoli 1886 Hunter-lite. The 1886 is smoother, stronger, and the stock design handles recoil a lot better. But the Marlin is nice.
Exactly, come on man, give us non buffalo hunters something to shoot...Joe
I had an 1895CB in 45-70 for a while, and it was one of the least pleasant rifles to shoot I've ever owned.
357 Maximum would be absolutely perfect imho, but since I don't ever see that one ever happening a stainless Trapper in 357 Mag would be good enough for me.
I am a fan of the Marlin levers. But the "old" Guide Gun was heavy on recoil. The ported barrel version were miserable loud. No interest in a 16" barrel or threaded for suppressor. No need for full length mag tube either. That being said they will sell a bunch of them. The had a great thing going with the original 1895 and1894. I think there is a market for the 1895 XLR versions. Their 338 ME was a great caliber.
I'm also curious to see if they'll eventually bring back the ME cartridges too. I'd imagine it depends on how sales of the more standard chamberings go.
Got the phone call today, my name was top of the list. Going to pick it up tomorrow.
I understand and certainly appreciate the panache of the older Marlins, but I am not going to afraid to use this one at all. Son traded me me out of the Remlin guide gun. Not talking me out of this one!
I am simply bolt action trash, but this big bore lever has me excited.
I had a beautiful Marlin in 444, actually too beautiful. Think it is a great cartridge, but the 45-70 is certainly practical.
Had my Trapper up to deer camp a couple weeks ago. Didn't get a chance to draw blood with it but pulled it out before the opener for the guys to check out. Ran 100 rounds of coated hard cast 405gr at a bit over 1000fps through it splitting firewood, woulda been more but that's all I had loaded. Everyone's reaction was similar, a huge grin with the "pop....WACK!" and chunks of ash flying. Recoil and noise with the Hybrid screwed on is negligible and just plain fun. Loaded to it's max I'm sure it wouldn't be as pleasant but, while it's nice to have the capability, for me that's not what it's meant for. I have other rifles for that.
Charter Member Ancient order of the 1895 Winchester
"It's an insecure and petite man who demands all others like what he likes and dislike what he dislikes." szihn
"Allways speak the truth and you will never have to remember what you said before..." Sam Houston Texans, "We say Grace, We Say Mam, If You Don't Like it, We Don't Give a Damn!"
"Allways speak the truth and you will never have to remember what you said before..." Sam Houston Texans, "We say Grace, We Say Mam, If You Don't Like it, We Don't Give a Damn!"
Looking forward to bruising the shoulder a little bit.
Run it hard enough, it will!
I found a 420-something LBT at 1650 fps to be about my limit for enjoyment. At 1800+, they just freakin' hurt and I couldn't tell the animal was 200 fps deader....
Ugly damn thing. If Ruger ever figures out how to make a lever gun of blued steel and walnut and that not everybody needs a gun for grizzly protection maybe I'd try one.
To each their own I guess. I too have a fondness for well grained walnut but I also like the contrast of SS and grey laminate. I have an original Guide Gun and an SBL both in .45-70. I like them both.
Unless you're a little guy, if you're getting "unpleasantness" and "bruising" with a Marlin, grip and stance needs improvement or you're loading too strong. Save your ~2000fps cartridges for polar bears.
Don't ask me about my military service or heroic acts...most of it is untrue.
Finally got out to shoot my Trapper. Still waiting on some supplies, so ended up with factory 300gr solid copper tumbling ammo?
Shot 40 rounds and had no issues banging 12x12 plates at 50 and 100 yards. I like the rifle, did not chrono loads, but easy to shoot. Stopped by Lane Suppressors this afternoon and ordered a suppressor for it. Stated 7 months, so we will see.
Rest of my reloading supplies should be in next week, then time to get serious.
