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Marlin 45/70 with 18.5" or 22" barrel

GT350mike
I'm going to buy a Marlin 45/70 w/in a week and all that I have found are the 1895G (Guide Gun) w/the 18.5" barrel. My initial thoughts were to hold out and find a Marlin w/the 22" barrel but I would like to hear from "The Experts". What are the advantages/disadvantages of the shorter (or longer) barrel.

Thanks in advance!
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • Iroquois Scout
    If it were me, I would hold out for the 22" barrel. I don't see any advantage to the 18-1/2" barrel. In fact I like the 26" barrel on my "Cowboy" the best. Don't let people tell you that you need a short barrel for the brush. If you have the rifle in your hands where it belongs when hunting rather then on your shoulder, barrel length is not important.
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  • vepr762
    I agree with Iroquois Scout 100%. I have the 1895 "Cowboy" also, as my "hog" gun. I put a Williams FP peep sight on it and had a trigger/action job done. Marlin's really need the action/trigger work done on them to function to their FULL potential. Much better sight picture with the longer barrel also.
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  • richbug
    I almost bought one last night, nice shape, ballard rifling 22" blue with a cheap scope for $350.

    My border collie is smarter than your honor student.
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  • MFI
    Theory behind the guide gun is its easier manuverability in brush and heavy woods. If thats not a problem for you then go with the 22" .

    God gave us all a gift. Have you found yours yet ?
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  • GT350mike
    I got a call from the local gun shop and they have two 1895's coming in Monday. I'm going to stick with the 22" barrel.

    Thanks for the replys!

    M
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  • gskyhawk
    I had one of there Guide Guns in 444marlin with the 18.5 ported barrel , boy that thing was a kicking sob and was loud[}:)] used it 1 season and sold it , I will go with the longer barrel next time
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  • TWalker
    Mine is a 70's model with the longer barrel. I couldn't be happier with any gun. Iespecially like the smooth straight stock. The older 45-70's had longer barrels for good reasons, higher velocity, longer sight radius, and less noise.
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  • GT350mike
    I'm wondering if the "porting" craze is going to stick around or will it RIP? I went duck hunting with a buddy of mine that had a 3.5" 12 gauge w a ported barrel and by the end of the day we were ready to throw him out of the pit because our ears were in so much pain. The most recoil I've dealt with has been my 7mm Mag and I don't think about or feel the recoil when I'm hunting. The only time I notice is when I'm at the range so having a ported barrel doesn't appeal to me, especially after my duck hunting trip a few years ago.
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  • Talking Head
    I'm pretty sure Marlin has already stopped porting the Guide Gun, as of last year I think, for that reason, too much muzzle blast. You can still find them of course, but they are yesterdays news as far as I know.I think you made the smart choice going with the 22 inch barrel myself.

    Happy_Camp.gif
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  • GT350mike
    I FINALLY got my 1895 today and I was able to go out and fire a few rounds threw it. All I can say is that a) I'm glad I held out for the 22" barrel, b) The recoil isn't as bad as some people make it out to be, & c) I wish I had bought the 45/70 sooner! I felt like a kid wondering how bad the recoil was going to be but because the factory rounds (300 g's) are loaded for the older rifles, it was not as bad as Ruger M77/30-06 or my Styer 7mm Mag.
    I have a Dillon reloader so my next step is to get the dies and start experimenting with "hotter" loads to see where my threshold of pain is. I'll take a look at the older post to see if there is any info on what is recommended for a Marlin. If anyone has any recommendations, I'm all ears!
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