My first Lever Gun

[redgreenrider]

I'm now the proud owner of my first lever action rifle. Thanks to fellow INGOer phatgemi, my latest find is a Marlin 1895 SS 45-70. Finally took it out to shoot yesterday after getting some Hornady Leverevolution 325gr ammo . We set up a paper target out around 50 yards. I took my first two shots standing and I didn't think the recoil was that bad. My next two shots were from a kneeling bench rest. These two stung a little. I think it was because my shoulder was rotated more forward. My spotter was useless so I'm not sure which shot hit were, but up on inspection I had 1 dead center bullseye, 2 within 2" of center, and one flyer out about 5". I would say not too shabby for stock buckhorn iron sights.
After shooting my XDS .45 fresh back from recall, that'll be another post, I loaded up the rifle for 4 more shots. Since the bench rest stung, I decided to take these standing. Each remaining shot hurt more than the next. So it looks like a Kick Eez or Limbsaver will be my first accessory. Then a sling and maybe a set of Skinner sights. Overall, I love the gun and look forward to lots of fun with it.

 

[Leadeye]

45-70 is probably one of the best cartridges for reloading and casting bullets.

 

[Leadeye]

45-70 is probably one of the best rifle cartridges for reloading and casting bullets.

 

[redfox033]

Love the lever actions! I still use my 336 .30-30 more than my .270 for deer hunting in KY.

 

[redgreenrider]

I'd like to dear hunt with it, but I'll have to take up reloading so I can make some IN legal rounds.

 

[snapping turtle]

Don't forget the old 405 grain loads also. Normally a little more shoulder friendly.


You have opened a box than cannot be closed now. Levers rock.

 

[Mgderf]

I'd like to dear hunt with it, but I'll have to take up reloading so I can make some IN legal rounds.

I've successfully hunted Indiana whitetail with an unmolested .45-70govt round.
It just happen to be legal in a pistol platform- Thompson Contender 16" barrel (ported) .45-70govt.

It LOADS of fun, and doesn't hurt the shoulder a bit!

 

[Slawburger]

I looked at one yesterday. It is on the "one day" list.

 

[Thor]

Greetings and welcome to the club.

I have an 1895CB with the 26" octagonal barrel. I like that it holds 9 rounds in the tube. I don't like (after a day at the range) that it had no recoil pad. I substituted a guide gear gun furniture for the checkering, recoil pad, and sling swivels. I have a William's FP-336 peep on it. I had to shave the front sight down a bit but it groups well and I actually like it better that way...

My favorite rounds for it are Cor-Bon +P 460gr and Garrett 550gr Sledgehammers. Small armored vehicles are in play. Just for shooting days I've been using Bitterroot Valley 405gr rounds. They don't seem as punishing. I have some of the 325gr LeverEvolution ammo but have not compared the recoil from that to the 405gr Bitterroot since I changed the furniture.

And I did find the recoil significant when firing while seated...bruising even. But fun! Nothing like throwing a full third of a .556 magazine with every round. You can run but you can't hide...even behind a tree.

 

[phatgemi]

Glad to hear you're enjoying the marlin.

 

[1911ly]

You are hooked now! I bought a Henry 44 mag then shot my buddy's 1895 Marlin and knew I had to have a 45-70. The 45-70 can bite you if you don't pull it in tight lol. I tried to find a new Marlin but the quality wasn't good on the ones i looked and and i couldn't find a used one. I bought the henry and have been very happy.

You have excellent gun! What kind of sights does it have? Stock? I wonder how long before you buy another leverIt wasn't long for me. lol

 

[redgreenrider]

Right now the sights are the stock rear and the hooded front. The only thing not stock on it is a hammer extension. I sorta went on a little shopping spree last night and ordered a Skinner XA rear sight, KickEeez Dual Action All Purpose recoil pad, Safari Ching Sling, and a set of swivels. Happy early birthday to me

You are hooked now! I bought a Henry 44 mag then shot my buddy's 1895 Marlin and knew I had to have a 45-70. The 45-70 can bite you if you don't pull it in tight lol. I tried to find a new Marlin but the quality wasn't good on the ones i looked and and i couldn't find a used one. I bought the henry and have been very happy.

You have excellent gun! What kind of sights does it have? Stock? I wonder how long before you buy another leverIt wasn't long for me. lol

 

[Classic]

I'm new to lever guns too. Located a very clean Win Saddle Ring Carbine in 45 Colt. Not a long range gun but holds 12 rounds and already.had the loading setup. 45-70 will be the next one.

 

[Thor]

I'm new to lever guns too. Located a very clean Win Saddle Ring Carbine in 45 Colt. Not a long range gun but holds 12 rounds and already.had the loading setup. 45-70 will be the next one.

That's a nice saddle gun, they've all got their place. The first weapon I paid money for, looking into the wayback machine, was a Win. 94 30-30 which is still sitting in my safe.

For a new .45-70 take a look at the Henry. It's still made in the USA. New Marlins are made in Japan. Not to say they're bad quality but...made in the USA and what not.

 

[1911ly]

Right now the sights are the stock rear and the hooded front. The only thing not stock on it is a hammer extension. I sorta went on a little shopping spree last night and ordered a Skinner XA rear sight, KickEeez Dual Action All Purpose recoil pad, Safari Ching Sling, and a set of swivels. Happy early birthday to me

Great choice on the sight. I put the Skinner Express sight on my .44 mag. I haven't change the 45-70 yet but it's on the list. You are going to like the sight!

 

[phatgemi]

I meant to add to my post yesterday: I would be glad to help you in the reloading area if you need any help. I also have info and have done some work on the Indiana legal 45/70 round. I'm 9 miles north of batesville. Let me know if ya need any help.

 

[redgreenrider]

Thanks for the offer. I'll get ahold of you when I'm ready to tool up.

I meant to add to my post yesterday: I would be glad to help you in the reloading area if you need any help. I also have info and have done some work on the Indiana legal 45/70 round. I'm 9 miles north of batesville. Let me know if ya need any help.