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Best 45/70 Lever Action Rifle

valkrye
Looking to purchase a Lever Action 45-70 cal.Rifle,with a 26" barrel.
Which Brand Rifle would be considered the Top Rated/Best Rifle to purchase ???
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Comments

19 comments

Date Votes
  • tsr1965
    Winchester 1886...hands down is the best. I am talking about the ones that say Winchester on them, and are produced by Miroku in Japan. They are by far, the best Winchester lever guns ever produced...all models of them...the 1866, 1873, 1885(single shot), 1886, 1892, 1894,1895, and any kick off models of them like the 53, and 71.

    However, if it is scope mounting you are looking to do, then it reverts back to Marlin. Leave the Henry sit on the shelf at the gun store. They are over priced for what they are.
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  • charliemeyer007
    I am curious why such a long tube? I have shot 45-70's from about 1970. They were in everything from a 12" barrel rolling block pistol, a hand made revolver and the more usual rifles. My only current one is built on a Mexican Small Ring Mauser with an 18" barrel and weighs about 6.5# loaded.

    I think Miroku makes nice stuff. I like the concept of Marlin's stainless steel guide gun - not sure they have worked out all the bugs.
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  • Laredo Lefty
    I have the Henry lever gun in 45-70. I like the feature of loading like a .22, thru the tube under the barrel rather than a loading gate on the receiver.
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  • Horse Plains Drifter
    Are you looking for a vintage, or a recently manufactured firearm? If you're looking for recent guns, the Marlin 1895 Cowboy is the only 26 barrel option I'm aware of.
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  • rufe-snow
    Years back, I had both of. Browning M-86 and Marlin. Both had long barrels, which I disliked. Both were big heavy guns, the long barrels, made them even more unwieldy, IMHO. I have no experience with the Henry? But if it comes with a 22" barrel, it would be my choice.

    Recoil was another problem, with the 2 I owned. Even with them being heavy clunkers. Shooting smokeless factory loads, got old quick. Don't know if you reload? But lead bullets loaded down to low velocities, were much more preferable to me. Than the high velocity factory stuff. The Marlin though, had a microgruve barrel. That didn't shoot lead bullets, worth beans.
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  • longspur rider
    I have a Marin 1895 Limited 45-70 24" half round barrel. Action is nice & very accurate. Made early to mid 90's. I'm very happy with it, solid gun.
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  • varian
    i bought a new, new model 1895 in 1975. it has a 22 inch barrel and half mag. of all my guns, and i mean a lot, it is still my go to rifle. i shoot pretty stiff handloads in it and it has always been a good shooting and very accurate rifle.
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  • valkrye
    quote:Originally posted by varian
    i bought a new, new model 1895 in 1975. it has a 22 inch barrel and half mag. of all my guns, and i mean a lot, it is still my go to rifle. i shoot pretty stiff handloads in it and it has always been a good shooting and very accurate rifle.
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  • valkrye
    Thank you everyone for the Good Info on a Lever Action Rifle in 45-70 !!
    There are several Manufactures of the Lever Action in 45-70 cal.
    Umberti;Chiappa;Pedersol;Taylor's;Cimarron;Chaparral.
    Anyone have one of these Rifles ???
    Thanks !!!
    valkrye
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  • Tflogger
    I feel for you.
    I wanted a rifle in 35 whelen.
    a Winchester.
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  • roswellnative
    I vote for a Marlin, I like the guide guns like

    https://www.GunBroker.com/item/791136533

    If you can find one with the JB marking it would be even better
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  • jerrywh818
    Marlin cowboy for a light gun. Winchester 86 is better but heavy. The Marlin cowboy kicks like a mule.
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  • bullshot
    I have a Marlin (JM) in 45-70 and I would highly recommend them to anyone interested in a 45-70 lever gun. No one makes one better IMHO.
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  • savage170
    Another vote for a Marlin pre Remington
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  • toad67
    Maybe try this to get what you want:

    https://www.marlinfirearms.com/custom-shop
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  • spasmcreek
    i like my Browning B78 single shot....a beauty
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  • Sam06
    I have 4 and this is the order I like them:

    1. Marlin 1895 made in 1972(1st year) w/ straight grip stock
    This gun shoots everything very well.

    2. Browning 1886 made in 1992 w/22" barrel. Great gun but its too nice to hunt with

    3. Marlin 1895 Guide Gun (1st year) with the muzzle break. this gun is a joy to carry and it hits hard. Mine is set up with a true GG scope mounted forward of the receiver.

    4. Winchester 1886 that was re-barreled to 45-70, it has a 24" barrel and full length magazine. Its a good shooter but it heavy. The action is very smooth though.
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  • Wild Turkey
    https://www.marlinowners.com/forum/45-70-govt/

    Here's a forum dedicated to the .45-70.

    Lots of good info and experience.[:D]
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  • He Dog
    Taylor's is not a manufacturer, they sell the Italian repros.
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