Greetings,
I am new to this forum and I really like it. I am in the market for a lever gun in 45-70 to use for Elk this year. I have narrowed it to the Marlin 1895 Cowboy and Guide Gun. I like the styling of the Cowboy but like the SS finish available on the Guide Gun. My question is: with the 7 1/2 inch shorter barrel, how much velocity loss will I see? Does anyone have both?
Thanks for you help
Dave

Depending on the loads one will see about 15-25 fps per inch of barrel in the Marlin 45-70 lever guns. I see about 20 fps per inch between my 22" barreled Marlin and 32" W&H 1871 Buffalo Classic with upper end loads.

I'd go with the longer barrel. Better sight radius, better velocity, better control of recoil,better looks, better all around. :D:);)

Regards,
O/W

I have both and prefer the cowboy model for all around use. However, if you plan on carrying the weapon for hours at a time the guide gun might be the better choice. You just might need to get both!

SoCalHunter - I've got Guide Gun and have used the standard 22" model. For creeping around the thick stuff the Guide Gun is handier but the longer barrel will give you a little more range if longer shots are possible. Best thing to do is handle them both and see what fits you best. As for better control of recoil there isn't much difference between them and as to looks, well that's up to you. Truely though after a long days hunting, I'd prefer the Guide Gun. Good luck with your choice! CEJ...

So Cal-I don't think that the barrel length is going to make any differences in the 45-70 for Elk.You start getting out past 200 yards and it starts to drop in a hurry.I have a Guide Gun and appreciate it's handiness on the trail and in the brush over my 22-24 inch other Rifles.But as mentioned earlier,you might want to shoulder both first to see which one feels better.
My vote would be for the Guide Gun for it's easy packin.

Best of luck on your choice.Jayco.

Thanks for the help. I too think that the guide gun would be an easier carry and I can't get away from how striking I think the SS/wood combo looks. I think I've made my choice.
Thanks again

I think you will be happy with the Guide gun. I got one when they first came out in 1998. It is a good shooting gun, and in all real field conditions I do not believe you will be at any disadvantage. I have shot several deer with mine the longest distance was a mulie buck at about 175 yards. One shot in the boiler room, he took one step and fell over dead. I have mine sighted in 3 inches high at 100 yards and it puts me 3 inches low at 200 yards. I shoot the Hornady 300 grain JHP with 47.0 grains of IMR 4198 with a federal 210M primer. Last year in Ranch Dogs postal match it shot a .711 inch group at 100 yards. Trust me you will be at no disadvantage. ;)

I too have a guide gun, I handload 405 Rem bullets at 1700FPS. I knocked a 4x4 Elk off it's feet at about 50 yards last November. Bullet preformance was excellant The recovered weight was 300+ grains.
I can push the 405's at 1900 FPS but they are too hard to hold on to. Thats even with a magnum shotgun recoil pad attached! 1700 FPS is all I can handle.
As for the accuracy, I have no problem hitting a 6" plate at 200 yds off hand. I do have a 2.75x Scout scope but can do it with the ghost ring sights as well.

Cajun

PS the picture was taken just after noon in the Olympic NF. It was deep and dark, which says a lot for the quality of the scout scope