I found a couple of used guns that caught my eye. Both are Marlin guide guns. One is a 450 that has had only three shots fired. It looks like it just came out of the box. The other is a 45 70 that appears to be much older but has no scratches or obvious wear and is already mounted for a scope. The 45 70 IS $475.00 and the 450 is $525.00 with one box of ammo. I like the 45 70 history and my brother has the dies to reload but the 450 is just like new and also a awesome caliber. Both are blued and ported. Im not sure which one to buy but by the time I make up my mind they will probably both be sold.
45/70 by a mile.
The 45/70 can be loaded so it is every bit as fast as the 450M in the same strong action.
The 450 case is also absolutely unique with it's wide belt.
If the factories ever stop making 450 brass forming it from something else becomes extremely difficult.
I'm sure you are tired of hearing this....45-70. You can get dies pretty cheap, and the brass is much easier to find. Also, if you need to shoot factory loads, way easier to get 45-70 something.
maddog
45-70 by a country mile. The 450 is superb, but it is pretty much purpose built for hunters who do not reload but want a heavy hitting 45 caliber cartridge. The 450 is pretty much what a souped up 45-70 reload is.
Perhaps the first question is: are you sure your ears can withstand a ported rifle?
Perhaps the first question is: are you sure your ears can withstand a ported rifle?
Good point!
You may want to wait around for a later non ported one to come up for sale.
I know I saw an awful lot of these ported Guide Guns come up for sale used shortly after they came out. Marlin quickly switched to a non ported design.
I use hearing protection when I'm at the range. What I like about having a ported Guide Gun is less recoil when shooting hotter reloads. I would go with the .45-70!
I have the 450M and I recommend it to everyone.
If you plan on reloading, or shooting lighter loads, I would be thinking 45/70 caliber. It is very versatile when you are at your reloading bench. If your a history buff, it also feels that bill by a truckload.
I have multiple of both in Marlin, Ruger #1, Remington Double, and a custom built on a Siamese Mauser. Most have been or will be blooded on African plains game.
As a hand loader, both can be loaded virtually identical. Construction of the Marlins in both is identical except the threading between the barrel and the receiver of the 450 is slightly different to increase strength.
I personally find the 450s feed in through the loading gate easier. I think this is due to the 450 not being a rimmed case.
Finding standard factory loads in the local shops is easier for the 45-70 but, will usually be the lower power "trap door" safe ones whereas if you find 450s they will be the full up 450 loads.
If you don't travel by air for your hunting trips and don't hand load, you can shop for ammo on-line and buy full house 45-70 ammo that has taken the African "Big 5".