Opinion on 1895 Marlin Trapper in 45-70

[RNE228]

FWIW, the 1894cb 357 is fun to shoot. For rifle cartridges I prefer a Savage 99 over an 1894. But for pistol, that 38/357 is fun, low recoil, and much less expensive than 45/70-xxx (original 45/70 had bullet weight in designation...).

[RandyD]

It appears that your decision to buy a Marlin 45-70 is based on "The Fun Factor". If so, take the plunge and get it. Worst case scenario is that it was not as much fun as expected, and in that case, you sell it and have the experience. Go buy it and have some fun.

I fired a friend's 45-70 trapdoor and was expecting a hard recoil. Instead, it was a push compared to my 300 Win Mag.

On lever guns, my favorite rifle is my 30-30 Winchester 1894 SRC. It was my father's rifle, and I kept it at my grandparents' ranch and went through a case of ammo every summer. That rifle lacks the accuracy of my bolt guns but it remains my favorite.

[Kyle1886]

Thank you all for the thoughtful responses. A couple of $$$ issues have cropped up which is going to put any purchase on the back burner for a bit. Your responses will be very helpful in my decision making. Truly appreciated.

Thank you very much Calgunners. ?

Respectfully
Kyle

[Imageview]

In the meantime if you have the opportunity, find one you can shoot. Happy to let you give mine a try if you are in the sf Bay Area.

[Kyle1886]

Thank you Imageview for the offer, but I'm in Vista, N. San Diego county.

(So many grand and helpful folks here on Calguns).

Thanks again.
Kyle

[sigstroker]

Because you can twirl it.

[Jimi Jah]

What does 45-70 cost these days? $2.50 or 3 bucks a round?

Fire 3 or 4 shots and you paid for lunch.

I paid 40 cents for my new 357 ammo, it will be less when reloaded. Shooting is more fun when you don't burn a hole in your wallet.

[200Apples]

Shooting is more fun when you don't burn a hole in your wallet.

Everything ok, Jimi? Ya done crapped in this here feller's thread.




1. You may handload

2. You may own more than just one levergun - heck, own ten, twelve, twenty... but cover the bases:


.22 rimfire - Marlin 39A
.38/.357 - Marlin 1894CS357
.41 Rem Mag - Marlin 1894FG
.44 Rem Mag - Marlin 1894SBL
.30-30 - Marlin 336 Texan carbine
.45-70 Gov't - Marlin 1895GS

.38/.357 - Rossi R92
.44 Rem Mag - Browning/Miroku/Winchester B92


In the inimitable calguns' style - "Why not both?!" (.45-70 and .357)

[TAS]

Everything ok, Jimi? Ya done crapped in this here feller's thread.




1. You may handload

2. You may own more than just one levergun - heck, own ten, twelve, twenty... but cover the bases:


.22 rimfire - Marlin 39A
.38/.357 - Marlin 1894CS357
.41 Rem Mag - Marlin 1894FG
.44 Rem Mag - Marlin 1894SBL
.30-30 - Marlin 336 Texan carbine
.45-70 Gov't - Marlin 1895GS

.38/.357 - Rossi R92
.44 Rem Mag - Browning/Miroku/Winchester B92


In the inimitable calguns' style - "Why not both?!" (.45-70 and .357)

[gimebakmybulits]

Get the 45-70..... I know you stated you don't want to reload but do yourself a favor and get a Lee Classic loader and a mallet. Find some 300gr cast boolits, brass, primers and Tite Group pistol powder (or pick something from here http://www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm) and roll yer own as Apples said. These are the wiffle ball loads and super fun to shoot, even the grand kids will have fun with them. The cost is super low compared to factory loads and a bag of Starline brass will last forever.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3duhNVjAu6E

[Kyle1886]

Thanks all for the feedback, appreciated.

Kyle

[splithoof]

What does 45-70 cost these days? $2.50 or 3 bucks a round?

Fire 3 or 4 shots and you paid for lunch.

I paid 40 cents for my new 357 ammo, it will be less when reloaded. Shooting is more fun when you don't burn a hole in your wallet.