Experience with Marlin 45/70 Guide Gun
I am considering getting a Marlin Guide Gun in 45/70 but am concerned with maintenance involved with a black powder cartridge.
I had assumed that this cartridge would have a clean-burning modern propellant, but am told that it is still basic black powder. This leads me to believe that cleaning a rifle such a this would be a major chore.
Has anyone had any experience, good or bad, with this rifle or this cartridge.
I had assumed that this cartridge would have a clean-burning modern propellant, but am told that it is still basic black powder. This leads me to believe that cleaning a rifle such a this would be a major chore.
Has anyone had any experience, good or bad, with this rifle or this cartridge.
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war_gamer; I have the marlin guide gun in a 450 which is basically the same gun. Now as far as being a black powder cartridge, I think you were steered wrong. Not only will it shoot any 45/70 shell, but you can load your own with whatever you like within certain standards of course.
The maintenance is like any other lever action, no problems.
I don't believe we've spoken, so let me welcome you to the board.0 -
War_ Gamer,
Who ever told you that the .45-70 was a black powder only cartridge is as full of sh$$ as a Christmas goose. I own no less then 26 .45-70 rifles, both modern and antique, including three Marlin 1895's. .45-70 cartridges are factory loaded with smokeless powder to equal black powder pressures for use in antique firearms such as the Trapdoor Springfield. There are also specialty companies who load the .45-70 to much higher pressures for use in modern firearms such as the Marlin. Handloading really brings out the versatility of the .45-70. With smokeless powder, you can make loads that are safe for the old timers or you can load to equal the power of the .404 Jeffery Nitro Express if you are loading for the Ruger No.1 or the Mauser rifle. Of course, you can always load with black powder as I often do for use in my Sharps and Remington single shot rifles. These black powder cartridges are surprisingly accurate even at long range, they also have more then enough power for anything in North America when useing bullets of 400 to 500 grains weight. So buy your Marlin, use smokeless powder and jacketed bullets in it and enjoy.0 -
Wargamer: There are several smokeless powder loads offered by Remington, Winchester, Federal and PMC. I do a lot of brush country deer hunting with my Stainless Guide Gun equipped with Ashley Ghost Ring sights. Normally I shoot the Federal and Remington 300 grain loads. I have owned many guns in my life and I believe the Guide Gun .45-70 to be one of the best overall rifles I have ever owned. It is fast handling, accurate, dependable and rugged. It is my first choice as a saddle and truck gun as well as a brush country backup elk rifle to my .338 Win Mag. I wouldn't be afraid to go after any game in North America with it. My highest recommendation. 0 -
shoot mine often, no problems yet!
member; DUCKS UNLIMITED,AGA, ............R.S.A. KULP..................OHIO0 -
These Marlins are the easiest lever action to disassemble I ever owned. My GUIDE GUN is a pure joy to carry and shoot. I've never used black powder in the gun, but if I did, it would be a simple matter to clean with a bucket of hot, soapy water and a cleaning rod. Get one, you'll really like it.
SEMPER FI MAC, SEMPER FI0 -
The new Hornady reloading manual has a section just for the Marlin.
Who ever told you it had to shoot black powdwer, Must still think the world is flat.[:D][:D].
Welcome to the board.
The most important things, Are not things.0 -
The 45/70 has been burning smokeless since the stuff was invented.
U!S!A! ALL THE WAY!!0 -
It is a great gun and easy to carry into the thickets. I owned the blue version and traded it for the stainless model.
"By the time you can make ends meet,they move the ends"0 -
Thanks very much for the feedback.
I feel a lot better about the purchase now.
Charlie0
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