Marlin 1895 Guide Gun .45-70 Government
Model: 70456
Marlin 1895 Guide Gun .45-70 Government
Model: 70456
Full Specifications
Threaded 11/16x24 barrel: compare big bore suppressor prices.
About This Firearm
The Marlin 1895 Guide Gun is a laminate-stocked lever-action .45-70 Government built to be carried in thick cover and fired at close range. It has an MSRP of $1,359.00, and Marlin lists it as shipping in limited numbers. Its muzzle is threaded 11/16x24 under a factory protector, which is still unusual on an iron-sighted lever gun and means a brake goes on without a gunsmith.
Nothing on it is set up for a scope. A hooded brass bead and an adjustable semi-buckhorn rear are fitted, with no rail and no base, though an offset hammer spur comes in the box for use under a mounted optic. The lever loop is oversized for a winter glove, a soft rubber pad is on the butt, and sling swivel studs are already in. Length of pull is a short 13.38 inches, which suits a jacket.
If you're cross-shopping, the Marlin 1895 SBL has an MSRP of $1,619 on the same barrel length and the same six-round tube, and the extra money buys stainless, gray laminate, a Picatinny rail and an adjustable ghost ring, at 0.1 lbs less weight. The Rossi R95 has an MSRP of $1,060.99 and holds six behind a 20-inch barrel in wood and black oxide, with no thread at the muzzle. At 7.4 lbs this rifle carries more weight than either.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- The expensive parts are made the expensive way, with a cold hammer-forged alloy steel barrel and a receiver, lever and trigger guard plate machined from alloy steel forgings.
- The loading gate sits on the receiver, so the magazine fills from the side with the rifle shouldered or cradled.
- This is the first alloy steel Marlin Ruger has built in blued steel, where the 1895 SBL is stainless.
- Recoil is the practical limit on practice. A .45-70 at this weight is a box-a-session rifle whatever the pad does.
- Receiver and barrel are blued alloy steel and not stainless, so a wet day ends with oil and a rag.
- Limited availability means finding one at the MSRP is not a given.
Compatible Ammunition
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.45-70 Government Ballistics →Frequently Asked Questions
What was the 1895 GBL?
The same rifle under its earlier name, the Guide Big Loop. Marlin describes this version as Ruger's first reintroduction in the Guide Gun family.
What bullets is the 1:20 twist cut for?
The heavy flat-nose bullets .45-70 is loaded with. Marlin cuts the same rate right through its .45-70 rifles.
Will a brake made for a .30-30 Marlin fit the muzzle?
No. The .30-30 rifles are cut 5/8-24 and this one takes the big-bore pattern, so order by chambering and not by the Marlin name.
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