Bighorn Post.........
I should point out that although this 'carbine' is only 36-1/4" long (3/4" shorter than my Guide Gun, and 1-1/4" shorter than my 1894 in 44 Mag), it weighs 7 lb 10 oz - so a full 10 ounces more than the Guide Gun, and 18 ounces more than the 44 Mag 1894.
So - it is NOT a 'lightweight' gun - just a 'compact' one. With one in the chamber it holds 8 rounds of 500 S&W, vs. the Guide Gun's 5 rounds of 45-70, so even with 'hot' 45-70 loads, there is more overall firepower, but not all that much per-round vs. the really heavy 45-70 loads some brave souls shoot from the Guide Guns.
Basically, it is NOT a big deal at all recoil-wise, at least compared to the Guide Gun with stout loads. Yes, you know you're shooting a 'real gun', but nothing different than a Garand 'Tanker' as far as I can tell. If you are considering one, don't let 'recoil' be the reason you don't get one.
The only 'downside' I see is the cost, but for me, it basically replaces several guns I will probably be putting in the consignment shop soon - my Guide Gun, my 500 S&W Handi-Rifle, and my 'regular' 444 Marlin (I'll keep the 'XLR' one).
Really, though it pains me to think such things, a person could 'get by' with two leverguns....
The
500 S&W Spike Driver, and a
32-20 Marlin 1894. I'm sure you can load that big old fat straight case down to cat-sneeze loads if you can learn their trajectory, and a 500 grain bullet at 800 feet per second or so will thump pretty hard but not tear up smaller game. The Marlin tolerates pretty hot 32-20 loadings almost up into 357 Mag territory, so there clearly would be overlap, yet you can also load the 32-20 down to near 22 WMR power levels as well.
Now, in the real world, of course we all need dozens and dozens of leverguns in all kinds of cartridges, makes, models, barrel lengths, and stock configurations, just 'in case' some unique hunting or competition situation comes along...
I should point out that although this 'carbine' is only 36-1/4" long (3/4" shorter than my Guide Gun, and 1-1/4" shorter than my 1894 in 44 Mag), it weighs 7 lb 10 oz - so a full 10 ounces more than the Guide Gun, and 18 ounces more than the 44 Mag 1894.
So - it is NOT a 'lightweight' gun - just a 'compact' one. With one in the chamber it holds 8 rounds of 500 S&W, vs. the Guide Gun's 5 rounds of 45-70, so even with 'hot' 45-70 loads, there is more overall firepower, but not all that much per-round vs. the really heavy 45-70 loads some brave souls shoot from the Guide Guns.
Basically, it is NOT a big deal at all recoil-wise, at least compared to the Guide Gun with stout loads. Yes, you know you're shooting a 'real gun', but nothing different than a Garand 'Tanker' as far as I can tell. If you are considering one, don't let 'recoil' be the reason you don't get one.
The only 'downside' I see is the cost, but for me, it basically replaces several guns I will probably be putting in the consignment shop soon - my Guide Gun, my 500 S&W Handi-Rifle, and my 'regular' 444 Marlin (I'll keep the 'XLR' one).
Really, though it pains me to think such things, a person could 'get by' with two leverguns....
The
500 S&W Spike Driver, and a
32-20 Marlin 1894. I'm sure you can load that big old fat straight case down to cat-sneeze loads if you can learn their trajectory, and a 500 grain bullet at 800 feet per second or so will thump pretty hard but not tear up smaller game. The Marlin tolerates pretty hot 32-20 loadings almost up into 357 Mag territory, so there clearly would be overlap, yet you can also load the 32-20 down to near 22 WMR power levels as well.
Now, in the real world, of course we all need dozens and dozens of leverguns in all kinds of cartridges, makes, models, barrel lengths, and stock configurations, just 'in case' some unique hunting or competition situation comes along...