Going to venture into my first 45-70. Marlin 1895.... thought s appreciated on whether to get the standard model or one of the guide gun types. Thanks

I had a Marlin Cowboy with a 26" octagon barrel, BTW, there's one for sale in the classifieds right now.

The only load I worked up consisted of W-W brass, enough RL-7 to safely power a 525 gr Beartooth Piledriver bullet to 1744 fps, you wanna talk about an accurate penetrating critter missile, it was, par excellence.

Also got rid of the silly cross-bolt safety with a Clyde Ludwig fake screw and installed a Lyman receiver peep sight.

I also had a Marlin Cowboy Gun and regret parting with it.

RL-7 is the powder, I used 510grn soft lead Paper Patched bullits.

Shot into damp sand they turn into ashtrays......

Honestly, I couldn't make up my mind either, so I have one of each. There's not much velocity loss in the shorter barrel, so in my mind its a toss up. I do like carrying the Guide Gun better than the Standard Model.

Can you say KA-WHOOP!!!? that would knock the mortal piss outta critters, I miss my Marlin 45-70 too.

I'd say get whichever model speaks to you. you won't be disappointed.

I had a standard 1895 back in the '80s, now I have an 1895GBL. I do like the excellent recoil pad on the GBL.

hunting heavy timber ?

18" Guide Gun is the ticket......

I have the Cowboy in 45-70. Great rifle, accurate. The 18 inch Guide gun is too much noise too close to your face. The 26 inch Cowboy carries and handles just fine.

I love my 45-70 Guide with 4-9 Leupold Shotgun scope.

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the GG is the ticket. mine shoots cloverleafs with all factory ammo i have tried. if you get a ported one just make sure to use ear protection when shooting it.

I bought a guide gun a few months back. Great gun, killed a nice 10 pt two weeks ago.

Guide gun topped with a 2.5x20mm Leupold for me. 4" more inches of barrel doesn't add much velocity, not that it would matter with a 45/70 so I chose short and handy to pack with the 18.5" barrel.

Congrats on the 10 point! any pics?

Just to show that we are all different with different views, I've had a standard 22", straight grip model for over 40 years and it had been overlooked for a while. Over the years the recoil had beaten up the magazine retention parts and it was only recently that I had it repaired properly. If you shoot heavy loads often enough it does take its toll.

A few weeks ago I went on an extended pig hunt in northern NSW and decided to take it to use up some old ammo, some of which were my cast HP bullets. The rifle reminded me how comfortable I was shooting it and I managed to roll a few running porkers, which is always satisfying. Those big cast HP's sure hit with an almighty slap and knock the snot out of porkers.

I've handled the SBL models but they're a bit heavier and I prefer the longer barrel on my standard model. Mine weighs just over 7lbs and to me it carries really well, is well balanced and handles like a good shotgun. Go for whichever model handles the best for you.

Have the Guide version with a Scout scope on board. One can operate that thing while wearing boxing gloves as the scope is completely out of the way. Well balanced and an easy carry. With 400+ grain slugs there is no reason to hot rod one, as you will take a beating on the back end. Have some loaded up to about 1750 fps and am looking for someone to shoot the remaining 85 rounds for me.

1minute....what is that scope mount?

mine is the 16" trapper version and I'll be keeping this one.

XS rail link

The rail uses the original sight dovetail and forward holes in the receiver. Without digging it out, I think Weaver rings.

A 2.5 Leupold Scout scope.

Nice rifle Toad. If I had a do-over, I'd go stainless.

That looks great.

I've had a regular 1895 since the 90's. I got mine in Alaska for bears and as such used the Buffalo Bore ammo that was 430 gr. L.B.T.-L.F.N. I decided it would be handier to have the barrel cut down, I had a Pachmayer decelerator pad added and kept the same OAL. I had the bear extractor added, and tuned. Later I had it sent to Metalife for a matt chrome finish, and then I added the XS Sights which made a world of difference. It is a very quick sight. If a guy is going to stick with just the standard load 45-70 or maybe even lightened up I dont think it matters. But I can tell you for a fact the pistol grip makes a big difference (to me) with the recoil. The straight grip has never felt right for me. Just something to consider. I would NEVER use one with porting. Montana Marines is a nice rifle, but I haven't seen one for a while.

Here's a pic of my GBL. I like the XS sights too.

CJ, I have a pistol grip stock and big loop lever assembly on the shelf, but am not sure if I will convert. I thought I would, but the straight grip is kinda growing on me.

Here you go, split brow time with one broken and another kicker you can't see

Trail cam pics of the same deer. By the way, I'm using a 350 grain Hornady Interlock flat nose over 47 grains of Reloder 7 powder. Accuracy is amazing.

I have had a hankering for a big bore... This thing looks fantastic..

Beautiful Buck! Congrats!

My 1895 shoots Hornady Leverevolution factory and any flat based 400 gr bullet handload well. For pleasant shooting, try a "factory equivalent" load (from my 1967 Lyman manual) of a 400 grain bullet and 38.5gr IMR3031. For modern lever gun loads, mine likes Reloader 7 and Ramshot Exterminator powders. Buffalo Bore is accurate, but after 3 or so shots, I flinch in practice shooting. If a bear was involved, I doubt I'd feel any recoil.

Just get a GBL...

Several of the 1895's have come and gone for me. stainless SBL SS 22inch brl. from the 1980's and my ported GG strait grip which I am keeping. To each his own. It is a short handy hammer and easily carried in my daily driver, or on an atv. Just my choice. Erich

Does anyone here know if the GBL recoil pad will fit the GG stock?

Wouldn't mind doing this to my straight stocked 1895.

Anyone have the stainless SBL version? How does it compare with the GBL?

What for scope is that on your 1895? Leupold 2-7x33mm? If so, how do you like it? Thinking on putting one on my 1895.

Ive being Shootin a Marlin JM 1895G since 1999 - Still like it ! RJ

18" Guide Gun is a very handy rifle......

As long as you like the straight grip stock...

here's a 16.5" chopped Marlin 45 Colt......

baby 45-70........