For all the gun guys out there...Reviews ??

[Bob Lynch]

Looking at this one on my list, and now I'm searching for it, maybe have a nice present under the tree for me !!
Its real hard to find locally here, probably have to ship it in to my retailer close by for the transfer.

The new Ruger made Marlin Model # 70478 1895 SBL .45-70 Govt. W/ Picatinny Rail for optics.

Anybody lucky enough to own this one out there ??
I'm hearing nothing but good things about the quality, and I know the Ammo is pricey already.
I've always wanted a Lever Action, and I think this one checks all the boxes.

 

[lewtot184]

I've shot 45-70 marlins and they can be a little thumpy on the shoulder with full loads. I have a 444 and it'll bruise you up some. I'd suggest reloading to help with ammo cost. I love those lever guns and 45-70's can be very accurate.

 

[DeltaV]

Looks nice; and nice lever too. American made...North Carolina.

Several hundred dollars more expensive than I anticipated on GunBroker.com

The Browning BLR-81 is less expensive than the Ruger Marlin. It's a great rifle.

My friends have Ruger long guns (not the model you're asking about) and handguns. Zero complaints.

 

[cr8crshr]

I like this one as another option...but in a .45 Long Colt. I have a Henry .45 Long Colt which I like except it isn't a side loader but a tube loader. Still, there ain't nothing finer than a lever action long gun...JMHO...cr8crshr/Bill

1854 | Smith & Wesson

Since 1852 we’ve been an industry leading manufacturer of pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shooting accessories. We continue to bring innovative firearms to market that meet the needs of every shooter and deliver on exceptional quality with a brand you’ve learned to trust.

www.smith-wesson.com

 

[Bob Lynch]

I like this one as another option...but in a .45 Long Colt. I have a Henry .45 Long Colt which I like except it isn't a side loader but a tube loader. Still, there ain't nothing finer than a lever action long gun...JMHO...cr8crshr/Bill

http://[URL]https://www.smith-wesson.com/products/1854

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Yes, and I like the side loader design, will be great with those long rounds.
Can't wait to join the Lever Gun crowd, always wanted one of those.
Going to put a nice scope on it and have a blast !!

I love the looks of this Marlin, just a piece of artwork.
Henry makes a .45-70 also, it was between the 2 of them for choice.

 

[3sloppydogs]

Here's my 2 cents.
The wife and I have Henry lever guns. I also have real Marlin and "remlin" lever guns. The remlins were the models produced when Remington bought Marlin before they went under. Ruger now owns the Marlin name.
The quality of the original Marlins is top notch the remlin not so much. The Henry is excellent right out of the box, smooth action and great finish.
Now the rifle you are looking is one of my favorites. It has the rail for the scope and the side gate for loading.
The 45-70 is also one of my favorite cartridges.
Some advice about it.
Get as big a soft shoulder pad as you can but doesn't push your rifle to far forward.
Get a good solid variable scope with plenty of eye relief so you don't get scope eye. Mine is a 4x12x40 with a 1 inch tube by Nikon. Don't cheap on this, less expensive scopes will not hold up to the recoil.
Lastly, develop your own loads if you handload. The factory loads are very tame because the manufacturer doesn't know what kind of rifle you are shooting. The modern lever guns can handle more powerful rounds the the older falling block etc.
I use cast lead bullets with a gas check in two weights, either 405gr or 350gr.
Having said all that remember this isn't a 6.5 match rifle but if you work with it you can hit the 10 ring at 200 or more all day.
Overall it is a very fun rifle and will kill anything
Sorry for the soapbox preaching

 

[Bob Lynch]

Here's my 2 cents.
The wife and I have Henry lever guns. I also have real Marlin and "remlin" lever guns. The remlins were the models produced when Remington bought Marlin before they went under. Ruger now owns the Marlin name.
The quality of the original Marlins is top notch the remlin not so much. The Henry is excellent right out of the box, smooth action and great finish.
Now the rifle you are looking is one of my favorites. It has the rail for the scope and the side gate for loading.
The 45-70 is also one of my favorite cartridges.
Some advice about it.
Get as big a soft shoulder pad as you can but doesn't push your rifle to far forward.
Get a good solid variable scope with plenty of eye relief so you don't get scope eye. Mine is a 4x12x40 with a 1 inch tube by Nikon. Don't cheap on this, less expensive scopes will not hold up to the recoil.
Lastly, develop your own loads if you handload. The factory loads are very tame because the manufacturer doesn't know what kind of rifle you are shooting. The modern lever guns can handle more powerful rounds the the older falling block etc.
I use cast lead bullets with a gas check in two weights, either 405gr or 350gr.
Having said all that remember this isn't a 6.5 match rifle but if you work with it you can hit the 10 ring at 200 or more all day.
Overall it is a very fun rifle and will kill anything
Sorry for the soapbox preaching

Awesome info, thanks for that.
I tossed the Henry back and forth a bunch of times too and was able to see it and hold it at my local dealer.
Henry quality is just nuts, and they have that great lever gun look.

 

[3sloppydogs]

Here are two targets. The vertical 3 in a row is at 100yds. The one with 3 at 11o'clock is at 200yds. I was a little high because I used the wrong sighting line on the scope. As you can see if you figure out which load works for your rifle they are accurate. The smaller hole is a 30 cal round.

 

[It’s just me]

Absolutely love mine. Haven’t taken a deer in years with anything else. Drops them instantly! Below is a picture of mine with a leupold scope with raisers so I can still use the iron sights.

Only issue I had was the stock that came with it had a small slit in the wood that would grab my facial hair when I got a good cheek weld. Quick call to customer service and they sent me TWO stocks to make sure I was happy! Can’t complain about that. Also, the stock has plenty of padding, no need for a pussy pad.

 

[Scott Engelhardt]

I see that rifle weighs 7.3 pounds and it has a nice rubber stock pad, I would like to shoot one to see how the recoil is.
This little.444 kicks a bit but not any worse then a 12 gauge slug

 

[lewtot184]

I see that rifle weighs 7.3 pounds and it has a nice rubber stock pad, I would like to shoot one to see how the recoil is.
This little.444 kicks a bit but not any worse then a 12 gauge slug

View attachment 1771748

Nice wood.

 

[lewtot184]

This is an old target and probably the last time I shot my 444. Handloads and a Burris 4x power scope at 100yds. Lever guns can shoot and the 45-70 is an inherently accurate cartridge.

 

[3sloppydogs]

see that rifle weighs 7.3 pounds and it has a nice rubber stock pad, I would like to shoot one to see how the recoil is.
This little.444 kicks a bit but not any worse then a 12 gauge slug

You are correct they really don't have more recoil than a shotgun with stock factory rounds. However if you reload and take advantage of the stronger receivers on these lever guns they can become abusive.

 

[Scott Engelhardt]

Nice wood.

The was my grandpa’s rifle. Th chest was one I made in high school.

 

[Scott Engelhardt]

You are correct they really don't have more recoil than a shotgun with stock factory rounds. However if you reload and take advantage of the stronger receivers on these lever guns they can become abusive.

I have only shot a hand full of heavy loads through this gun. I was quite young when I sighted it in for grandpas bear trip