Lately, I have been wanting to pick up a big bore lever again and am curious about the Rossi Rio Grande in 45-70. Is it as strong as the Marlin? I've seen conflicting reviews. Also, what is the advantage of a longer barrel vs the 18.5" in the Marlin? Increased velocity or is the 18.5 long enough to get all the velocity you will get? I know this is not a high velocity cartridge but still want to get what I can out of it. I had a 1895 about 20 years ago and it was just way too much fun so that's why I'm thinking of another one.

Last question is there a quality issue with the newer Marlin's? I'd really like to find an older one again but they are pretty hard to come by in my neck of the woods.

Thanks ahead of time!

short answer is find an older marlin. the rossi's i have handled look like they were made in china. they may shoot ok, but the looks and workmanship turn me off. the newer marlins are a bit better but have been plagued with problems such that i would not buy one. there are plenty of JM 1895G's on gunbroker. they cost a bit more these days but are worth it. i have had one since 2000 and it is an awesome gun. the 18" barrel is plenty for the 45-70 round.

I have both an 1895 Marlin and an H&R Buffalo Classic with the 32" barrel. They are both fun to shoot, and both accurate. The nice thing about the 32" barrel is that the muzzle is over a foot farther away from your ears.

That's true. The blast from a short barrel is a lot worse. I'm wondering if the action of the Rossi is as strong as the Marlin's. Yeah, I do agree also with rem141r about the older 1895's being a lot better. Problem is I've been looking around here trying to find one I can get my hands on before buying and there just aren't many available. Guess I'll just keep looking and one will come up one of these days.

Thanks guys!

Ever consider the Henry .45-70? I handled one at the local shop, they seem to be pretty nicely done. Better than the current crop of Remlins.

Yeah, I've thought about a Henry. Actually have a 22 lever of theirs and it's an excellent setup. I handled a 30-30 and their actions are amazingly smooth as is my 22. I just hadn't looked at them because they are a fair amount more than the others but at least they are American made. It might be the best way to go if I go with a new one. They are bull strong from what I've heard too so no problem with loading them up to the top.

All I can say is I have a Rossi 92 in 45 Colt and it is flawless

But

I had

http://www.stevesgunz.com/

Do a "standard Package"

I bet it is as fine as any you can buy

That said I would ask him any question about Rossi

Snake

IMO go with what rem141r said. I have 2 older Marlins & love them. One is the cowboy model with the octagon barrel,the other is an older pre-safety 1895 with the 22" barrel. Both are great guns.
I have heard you get a lot more noise & muzzle blast with the 18" barrel,especially if it is ported.

I can't recommend a Rossi RG, because I've never had the pleasure of shooting one. In my mind, you don't know a gun until you actually shoot it.
However, I do have considerable experience with Marlin. First of all, Marlin is actually 2 companies-the one before the Remington buy out, and the one after. In plain language, Remington destroyed a great company. Their current products suck, are way overpriced, and work better as clubs than guns.
Marlins, big bore Marlins pre-buyout can still be had for decent prices, if you look. The other day I held a 22" 444 that was in fine shape and was under $600, hiding in plain sight on the gun store floor rack.
The pre-buyout guns were hands down, excellent guns. If I couldn't afford a Henry, I'd hold out for a good used Marlin. They are out there, and they are worth the money.

^^^This^^^

The new Henry 45-70 looks and handles nicely. And I like the new Tube Fed design, kinda like an old Marlin 22 mag tube feed.

I've seen a couple of new Rossi 45-70 that had problems at a LGS. The Lever got stuck in the down stroke and could not be cocked.
And if you want a Marlin, I'd buy one made before 2000. JMHO, though.