16" 45/70 leveraction ***update post 37****

[javithewrench]

I want to hear from anyone that has a 16 inch 45/70 rifle, curious about velocity,accuracy and thought compared to an 18" or longer barreled riffle. NOT interested in opinions from anyone without one or those that want to compare other calibers and barrel lengths. not worried about recoil, just accuracy and velocities. I only plan to shoot 100-150 yards max. thanx

[mark501w]

Not worried about recoil? Haven't shot much .45/70 have you?

[javithewrench]

Here we go, I have two marlins a ruger no.1 and a winchester 1886 all in 45/70, like I said not worried about recoil

[MongooseV8]

I cut down a stainless 1895GS a while back. It was 16.5" and had laminate stocks and a limbsaver recoil pad on it. I could easily shoot 50 rounds in a day. Without actually shooting through a chrono, I would guess my mild loads of AA2230 and a 405 grainer were about 1650 fps. It would easily shoot 2 moa or better with Skinner sights.

I really liked that rifle, but a good friend of mine likes it more haha.

[MongooseV8]

Also even with the heavier laminate stocks and a Nikon 4x12x40 scope it still only weighed 8.0 lbs. Great carry around hunting rifle. Lots of firepower in a tiny package. You will lose some velocity when compared to a 22" barrel obviously but a 405 grain hardcast lead torpedo is going to shoot right through an animal at half the speed your rifle will launch them at. And there is nothing better than a lightweight handy cannon.

[javithewrench]

Thanx for the info I know that round is like throwing a brick thru the air but I really enjoy shooting it and hunting hogs with it. I'm currently having a miroku/winchester takedown 1886 in 45/70 with octagon barrel cut down to 16. The rifle itself was in pretty bad shape when I bought it so I'm not worried about ruining the value of it.

[mark501w]

I guess you do know something about it.

[MongooseV8]

Here is a picture to help with your wait time =)

[ElvenSoul]

I'll tell you a cheap way to find out if you like it.

Buy a H&R Handi Rifle in 45/70 and cut/recrown barrel at desired yet legal lenth.

[javithewrench]

Hey mongoose, did you notice any bullet drop difference between the 18.5 vs the 16 inch barrel at 100 yards? I know that rounds trajectory drops dramatically after 100-150 yards but I'm just looking for a 100 yard rifle thanx

[44fred]

If you are looking for a 100 yard max rifle, whatever you are shooting at won't know the difference.
Do you reload? This can make all the difference.
BTW A 16" 45/70 lever action for hogs at <100 yards? Well I'll just say, it doesn't get any better than that.

Mongoose
Who did the work in your Marlin?
I'm a MO member as well.

[44fred]

I know this isn't a 45/70 but will give you a good idea.

http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/45colt.html

[deadcoyote]

I had a 16" blued guide gun, put a marbles rear peep sight on it and dialed it in with 405's, it shot well and recoil wasn't terrible. I used it for hunting and found it didn't do anything my shotgun couldn't do with slugs, so I passed it on to a friend.

[MongooseV8]

Slightly more drop at 100 but I had a scope zeroed in at 100 so it didn't matter. Pretty much anything 0-150 was a sure thing. I had drop data for up to 250 when I took it hunting but sold it before ever shooting it that far.

I did all the work on it myself, with a Manson crowning tool and a dovetail fixture and files.

[44fred]

Nice job. I don't have those skills.