MINE! - Marlin 1895 45-70 26in Cowboy

[Panzercat]

Today was the first time I had ever picked up this particular model, having normally fondeled the 16in trapper versions previously. I found to my amazement that I loved the long barrel version, so much so that I'm seriously considering picking it up... Tomorrow. It's a sexy beast, with the only problem going by the name of remington. The action is a bit tight, but I assume that's being new and all. The finish looks pretty good. Purchase price is just under $750, which seems to be averagish (if slightly above) if I don't count gun auctions.

Reviews also say that while the action is strong, they are OAL sensitive with about 450gr being the upper limit. Not sure how much stock to put into that or how much it will affect my fun.

Long story short, gentleman; I need a go/no-go for launch.

[Blaine]

Go....That's a good price.

[Chuck 100 yd]

I love mine. A great shooter but it is a pre Remington example and a great shooter.

[yooper2]

My dad is completely enamored with his 1895 CB (pre-Remington), I have a standard 22".
There are some really heavyweight molds available that will cycle through the action but they severely cut into powder capacity. That wouldn't bother me too much as shooting a 500gr bullet fast would get really un-fun. I mostly shoot the Gould bullet with mild charges of 2400 for plinking. For deer I use the same bullet stoked with a hefty amount of 3031. Bigger critters I turn to Ranch Dog designs.
Mine will cycle 2.56" loads all day. Go to 2.565"" and it won't feed at all.




Eric

[Pete44ru]

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There's isn't a "no go" person to be had, here.......

Go.


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[.45colt]

I saw one that was very well finished for a Remlin. I would have picked it up but all ready have too many irons in the fire. So just buy it.......GO GO GO GO. .

[1894]

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There's isn't a "no go" person to be had, here.......

Go.


.

Sounds like you slept on it and still want to buy it.
No go ??? Nope , didn't see any .
Post pics when you get it home

[Panzercat]

And there she is. They had two; one behind the counter and one in the stock room. Guy courteously offered up the stockroom one first but I had to reject it based on very tiny chips in the metal where the butt stock met the receiver. Probably not more than fingernail width imperfections that you wouldn't notice unless you were looking for them, but I did and just knowing they were there would eat at me. Plus, hey, I'm paying $800 after tax. I get to be picky. Actually, the display model was just fine and does everything I could see and feel, so I went with it. Throw on box of ammo, a butt stock sleeve (until I get real leather of course) and we're in the 45-70 business.

Also happy to note Hornady Leverevolution cycles a-okay (I had hear the tips cause some guns problems)!

Can't wait to shoot it!

[Daisyman]

Sweet!! Can't have too many levers. Question...that IS and octagon bbl, isn't it? Hard to tell in the light. Thought all the cowboys were!?

[Panzercat]

Sweet!! Can't have too many levers. Question...that IS and octagon bbl, isn't it? Hard to tell in the light. Thought all the cowboys were!?

Definitely octagon. I don't think they all are, or at least I think the 336 30-30 Cowboy I recently passed on wasn't. Probably all the 1895s are?

Thinking of seeing if I can find a large loop for it (oh look, brownells) and maybe do some faux case hardening. Will eventually replace that fabric shell holder with a real leather one, but it actually works pretty well as is-- Capacity for a 26in 1895 is a whopping nine rounds, so basically a full reload sitting on the stock. God, just saying that makes me giggle-- 9 rounds of 45-70. MWAHAHAHAH THE POWER

Hmm. I'm going to have to start collecting brass, aren't I?

[Canuck Bob]

Nice rifle! I found that mid-weight bullets did just fine in my 444. 265 gr worked well for moose and the 45-70 350gr range would be real sweet. 400+ power loads will kick a bit!!

[plowboy 45]

Nice looking rifle

[Griff]

Aye, I think all the "CB" models, regardless of caliber were octagon. I keep thinking that if I find the "right" .38-55 I'll pick it up...

[Leverluver]

At least anyone breaking into the bedroom will know you are serious

[Lefty Dude]

Just to let you know, If that ammo in the butt stock holder is Hornady. The brass will be short and non standard length, as to Winchester, Starline or Remington.
If you reload and mix your brass you will soon find out as I did. IIRC; it is approx. 1/10" short.

It was a few years ago, maybe they have changed the length now.

[Panzercat]

Just to let you know, If that ammo in the butt stock holder is Hornady. The brass will be short and non standard length, as to Winchester, Starline or Remington.
If you reload and mix your brass you will soon find out as I did. IIRC; it is approx. 1/10" short.

It was a few years ago, maybe they have changed the length now.

Really? It's their 325gr stuff. Huh, was just watching a few Lee basic reloading tutorials that had no problems with it
Hoping that's current info too.

[J Buck]

I have not seen that particular model, but I must say..... LOVE IT! Had that been available when I bought my '95 years ago, well, no point in pining. For $750, not a bad choice. If I were in the market........

[Dan 444]

Congratulations!
My favorite (also most accurate) load for my 1895CB is the BTB ".460 - 425g with a full-house load of H335.

Dan

[AJMD429]

The larger-caliber Hornady LeveRevolution stuff has shorter cases, to enable crimping the longer ogive of the higher ballistic coefficient bullets. If I recall correctly, I've had them in 30-30, 35 Rem, 44 Mag, 444 Marlin, 45 Colt, and 45-70, and the 30-30 and 35 Rem were the only normal-length brass.

Still reloadable with most equipment, though your crimping station obviously needs changed.

They still offer several cartridges in the LeveRevolution lineup.

http://m.hornady.com/store/leverevolution/

I just keep the cases separate. I haven't loaded any of the high-bc-gummytips yet, but I made up a few shotshell loads using Speer's no-ogive shot cases in 444 Marlin and 44 Mag with them. Most regular bullets would load fine. Shoot lots of the shorter-case rounds without cleaning, and a 'crud-ring' could develop, and lead to sticky chambering or maybe higher pressures, but 97% of my brass is normal length so I've seen no issues.

[Terry Murbach]

THE Marlin COWBOY 45/70 26" rifle to be on the lookout for are the very first ones, D&T'd for receiver sights, that also had Badger barrels. I found one twelve years ago with receiver sights and Globe front sights for five hundred bucks, and it was worth a thousand bucks then to those who were searching for 'em. I turned that much down within a month of buying it. I do not know if it is worth a penney more now as I never EVER sell good guns, and THE COWBOY 45/70 transcends ' good ' by a 'ellova long ways.
And so it goes...

[Panzercat]

May have gone overkill on the barrel though. It's 8lb beast loaded up
Guess that's the price you pay for 9 45-70 hammers in the tube

Time to look for a scabbard that will actually accommodate it.

[Frank V]

That is a pretty rifle & the .45-70 is an awesome cartridge.
Thanks for sharing with us.

[MrMurphy]

Only 8 lbs?

Well, there's only 8 shells.... right?

I used to carry a 27lb machine gun... with another 40lb of ammo. 800 reasons to keep your head down.


Nice piece, though the barrel's a bit long for my personal tastes (i tend to go for close range pieces and shorter barrels) i bet it shoots great.

[Rube Burrows]

Great looking rifle.

[Frank V]

Could we get a range report when you have a chance?
Thanks.