Which rifle would make a better guide gun, a Marlin 45-70 Gov (18 1/2" barrel) or a Marlin .475 Linebaugh (18 1/2" barrel)? When it comes out of course.

I don't need it for long range hunting just for protection at 50 to 75 yards. I know that the 45-70 is more powerful at longer ranges (with lighter grain bullets) but under 100 yards the .475 may have the advantage for knock down power.

Any comments?

Which rifle would make a better guide gun, a Marlin 45-70 Gov (18 1/2" barrel) or a Marlin .475 Linebaugh (18 1/2" barrel)? When it comes out of course.

I don't need it for long range hunting just for protection at 50 to 75 yards. I know that the 45-70 is more powerful at longer ranges (with lighter grain bullets) but under 100 yards the .475 may have the advantage for knock down power.

Any comments?
I'd trade both for a pump gun with a tube full of slugs. But for a rifle, I'd probably go with the .45-70. Either will knock down anything in North America, but the .45-70 operates at a significantly lower pressure, even when loaded to .450 Marlin levels (38-42K for the .450, 48-55K for the .475). A stuck case would really ruin a man's day in a lever rifle. Stuck cases are of course less a problem in bolt rifles and in revolvers.

Hmmm, can get a few more rounds in the mag tube of the .475! Watch out, the usual idiots will be calling it an 'assault levergun' and John Kerry will call for it to be banned......

Wouldn't stand downrange of either one, seriously.

I'd trade both for a pump gun with a tube full of slugs.

You think shotgun slugs would be the ticket? Your going with a pump I'm assuming for reliability? Here's a pump @ a good price.


http://img21.exs.cx/img21/5155/BenelliPump.jpg

Legacy Puma makes a Lever in a .480 Ruger (Model 92). Another rifle to consider for your purpose.

Sorry to be the bringer of bad news, but on talking to Marlin the other day, they said (customer service), that because of Sammi and design issues, it is unlikely that the 1895 475cal. will be produced. It is on indefinite hold... :confused: I guess we'll have to stay content with other cal. already offered.

Sorry to be the bringer of bad news, but on talking to Marlin the other day, they said (customer service), that because of Sammi and design issues, it is unlikely that the 1895 475cal. will be produced. It is on indefinite hold... :confused: I guess we'll have to stay content with other cal. already offered.

Wild West Guns is coming out with a new lever action rifle in a 500 smith & wesson. Also comes in a 500 linebaugh, 475 linebaugh, 454 cassell. However, it will be expensive.


http://img88.exs.cx/img88/3351/WWGModel-04500SW.jpg

http://www.wildwestguns.com/EStore/MasterGuideOrder/WWG04/wwg04.html

http://www.wildwestguns.com/

Yes, Max, that's pretty much what I had in mind. If you're gonna big bore, go BIG BORE. Good for grouse, bear, and lightly armored vehicles.

In a strong action, the 45-70 is a lotta' power.

http://www.sixgunner.com/backissues/paco/4570leverguns.htm

At level Three (3) Loads, you're lookin' at 400gr bullets pushin' 2,000fps. It takes a Winchester or Browning Model '86 action to handle the level Four (4) loads, but at that level, you run outa' powder room...

Alternative if you really want to go with a .475 caliber, is to get a custom (.475") barrel fitted on your 45-70 and blow the case out straight to form the 475GNR wildcat.

GOOD LUCK! ;)

Gowge:

I don't reload yet. Could I find light factory loads in the 45-70 for plinking and heavy factory loads for protection in the field?

Thats the beauty of the 45-70. It shoots from mild to wild. I have several loads ready to go at all times. They go from a 400gr. 1080fps plinker with little or no recoil that is very accurate to a 1980fps 405gr. cast load that flattens bison! Great fun and lots of potential.

Gowge:

I don't reload yet. Could I find light factory loads in the 45-70 for plinking and heavy factory loads for protection in the field?

Yep - no problem.

"Light" loads will be the cowboy stuff (lightest), and the usual run-of-the-mill factory ammo from Remington, Winchester, Federal, etc. (a bit more oomph).

"Heavy" will be the custom stuff like Buffalo-Bore, Cor-Bon, Garrett, etc. It's expensive, but you won't want to shoot a lot of it, either.

Great information, much appreciated...

Sorry to be the bringer of bad news, but on talking to Marlin the other day, they said (customer service), that because of Sammi and design issues, it is unlikely that the 1895 475cal. will be produced. It is on indefinite hold... :confused: I guess we'll have to stay content with other cal. already offered. your right they are not comming out with that gun at all. I have been putting money down on that gun for months untill last week, not comming out this year:mad:. May be next year.

Gowge:

I don't reload yet. Could I find light factory loads in the 45-70 for plinking and heavy factory loads for protection in the field?

The other guys already covered it well. There's some amazing over-the-counter loads available for the 1895 Marlin in 45-70. You basically have "Controlled Recoil" loads that are intended for the very old, original trapdoor rifles, and the heavy duty stuff made for strong actions like the Marlin 1895 actions. You would have to load your own to take advantage of the NEWEST super strong 1886 models from Winchester & Browning.

That still might not be a bad way to go, though - figure about 50% more cost for the ultimate 45-70 Lever Action rifle. They're even offered in a take-down version, too!

GOOD LUCK! :)

Gowge:

I'm becoming more & more convince of the versatility of the 45-70 round. I really think I'd have to do my own reloading even though I have no experience. We all start from scratch when we started, regardless of our age. Besides, I plan on doing "beaucoup" shooting ($$$). The Marlin chambered in the 45-70 is almost half the price as the Winny in that same chambering. Why is that so? the 45-70 is an interesting round. Not a handgun round nor a long range rifle round. Kind of a mid-range it seems.