Marlin lever guide gun in .45-70 or .450 marlin?

Originally Posted By: kdad73Actually the muzzle breaks on the gs really was not that bad as long as you were the one shooting it. But I looked a Marlins website and I do not think the are ported anymore. But I do agree with you if you were standing beside someone shooting that old Marlin I had the concusion would almost knock you over

That is a very accurate statement. You really don't want to be the guy next to the user. Unbelievable percussion. You can feel it. It is also very loud if you are in a hunting blind/shack........
 
I have the marlin classic version in 4570, I wanted the extra length on the barrel, so that is why I went with this model.
I also have a Skinner aperture sight on it, with his blade front sight. Improved my accuracy over the factory iron sights drastically. I can pound off a tight overlapping cloverleaf with a good rest at 50 yards, and a quick 2 rounds off hand at 25 are basically a same hole deal.

So, at the closer distances I'd say the accuracy is fine, I am shooting Federal fusions out of mine. I still have to get it out and see what I can do at 100 and 150 yards, with the groups I could get at 50, I'll bet it will be 2" or less, but we'll see.

Not a reloader, but if I want a stopper round, I'm buying Garrets 540 grain hammerheads.
 
Originally Posted By: 2muchgunIf you handload, there is no reason to choose a 450 over a 45-70. None.....

There ya go. He is absolutely right. In fact I have a friend that is regretting buying his 450; he even tried to trade it straight across for my old 1970's model 45/70. He doesn't like having to try and find and pay for 450 brass. He is also regretting that muzzle brake.
 
My 45-70 guide gun is a great rifle. I installed a limbsaver recoil pad and a wild west trigger. It will shoot Hornady 350 grain flat points with a max charge of RL7 into tight groups at 100 yds. 300 gr. Sierra flat points with IMR-4198 I have clover leafed 3 shot groups at 100 yds several times. Love this rifle.
Tuco
 
I recently, well somewhat recently, sold Marlins in 45-70, 35 Remington, and 30-30. Great guns, but I still have too many leverguns. Still have 2 444's here. An old one and a new one. The 444 has always been a favorite of mine. Maybe because I took my first bear with it.

I also still have one in 356 Win. They only made 2200 of them, and mine is pristine. it is pretty much a safe queen.

444:
100_0296.jpg


356 Win:
100_0469.jpg


If any of you 444 fans wanna try a great bullet for deer and black bear, try the Speer 270gr Gold Dot Uni-Cor SP or 300gr Uni-Cor SP. Both are listed as handgun bullets. Both have bonded cores. Both are tougher than the 444 bullets Remington and Hornady load in their rifle ammo. Both are cheap to buy, and work REAL well. Trust me on this one.......
 
I bought a Browning lever 450 and love it. I have shot Marlins since the 70's and loved the 444.I bought my last 444 guide gun and it was junk.Their customer service is the same and I don't buy them any more. The browning has a clip that alows you to unload and load very easy.The rifle is very accurate and cost about the same with much better quality.I wished it came in 45-70 because the brass and ammo are eaiser to find.Good luck with your decision.Oh yea if you have to send your Marlin back, you will need a back up rifle because it takes about 4 to 6 months return.
 
If you're having problems finding brass look for some 45-120 brass.. It'a the same thing only longer. You can cut it down to 45-70 length..
 
Originally Posted By: kdad73Actually the muzzle breaks on the gs really was not that bad as long as you were the one shooting it. But I looked a Marlins website and I do not think the are ported anymore. But I do agree with you if you were standing beside someone shooting that old Marlin I had the concusion would almost knock you over

Actually my left ear started ringing when I read this...
 
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