Pre Safety Marlin 1895 45-70

[ob1coby]

Is there such a thing? I've done a lot of research and because of its strong actions I'm trying to find a Marline 1895 in a 45-70 but I don't want one with all of the current safety garbage. Does anyone know about what year it started? thanks

[Hobie]

Yep. 1972 was the start year. Straight grip, too. Had a couple sell here on the forum. They MIGHT come up again (or not).

[ob1coby]

Any idea of when the last year was?

[ob1coby]

Come to think of it, It doesn't have to be a 1895. Any model that will shoot a high powered smokeless cartridge like the 45-70 will do.

[Grizz]

h&r makes single shot rifles with interchangeable barrels that are fantastic. and they are very inexpensive compared to repeaters. I like mine a lot. you'd be surprised how fast you can cycle one if you're motivated.

have you looked into the Winchester and Browning Model 1886 ?

otherwise just troll all the sites until you find what you're wanting.

[6pt-sika]

I've got a Model 1895 of 1978 vintage that doesn't have a safety !

Also have a Marlin 375 of 1980 vintage that doesn't have a safety !

Then I have a Marlin 336ER (356 WIN) of 1984 vintage that DOES have a crossbolt safety .

Bear in mind the 1895 , 444 and 336 action are all the same basic action !

I think it's safe to assume the cross bolt safety started sometimes between 1981 and 1984 !

[TedH]

Yep, I think the safetys started in '83.

[ob1coby]

Yea, I've looked at the Winchesters and Brownings. I really like the browning 1886, but for the custom work I want to do, all the gunsmiths and custom gun builders tell me to start with Marlin because they have better parts availability and are stronger and more dependable. I found a 1980 Marlin 45-70 today on gunbroker that does not have the safety's and looks to be in great condition. It's not a great price but its OK.

[salvo]

Hi ob1coby, The fire, welcome to! (My best Yoda impression)
The modern Winchester and Browning 1886 action would be the strongest, but they are a bit harder to take apart and put back together. I broke down my Browning and don't look forward to doing it again and I love taking guns apart.
Marlin 1895 definitely has more support in the parts dept
If you don't mind could you tell us the work you plan on doing to the rifle you get?

[ob1coby]

Well, The plan is to have the full service done on it from Mic McPherson if I can ever actually figure out how to reach him. (been trying for weeks) and have him install a 28 or 30 inch Lothar Walther Hex barrel with a full length tube mag and original style, straight wood stock with metal butt cap.

The idea is to have the most accurate repeater possible for long range shooting while maintaining the appearance of an authentic cowboy rifle.

[jlchucker]

Yep, I think the safetys started in '83.

I got mine in 1983 and it had no safety, but it may have been one in the distributor's inventory. I got mine about mid-year, from a part-time dealer who was employed where I was working at the time. He ordered it for me and it came a week or so later.

[ob1coby]

Hey Jlchucker. Can I talk you out of the first two digits or letters of the serial #? Thanks.

[jlchucker]

Hey Jlchucker. Can I talk you out of the first two digits or letters of the serial #? Thanks.

There's no letters preceding the number. First 3 digits are 200xxxxx. I remember the year distinctly. I was working for Jones & Lamson, at the time a major machine tool producer. The day after I had my dealer order it, the parent company announced that manufacturing at our facility would cease, and we would only assemble machines made from parts manufactured elsewhere. The beginning of the end was in sight. I figured I'd just let the order for my gun go thru, since I had worked before, and would work after. I've had the 45-70 ever since.

[ob1coby]

Wow, quite a story, makes it kinda sentimental. Here is a link for anyone that would like to know what year their Marlin was made. Thanks for everyone's help.

http://oldguns.net/sn_php/marlinlookup.php

[Hobie]

A friend of mine has a pre-safety Marlin 1895 with a 26" Badger made octagonal barrel (not hex). He had it made up prior to Marlin's production of the Cowboy series. Loves it. I personally think 30" is too much of a good thing.

[ob1coby]

Yea, I'm not sure that I have to have a 30 incher, but I know that I want it longer than a majority of long guns produced in a repeater so it will at least 28. I have seen archives of a few long range lever actions (ie 1873) and that is really my style, so although I realize its not as popular, if it doesn't slow the bullet down that is probable the way I'll go.

[Pete44ru]

[First 3 digits are 200xxxxx]

That should make the year of manufacture 1980.

.

[jlchucker]

[First 3 digits are 200xxxxx]

That should make the year of manufacture 1980.

.

I don't know which distributor my dealer ordered it from--he was running a sideline out of his house, with no guns in inventory. He merely placed orders for people with his FFL. If you are correct, then it must have sat on a shelf in a warehouse somewhere for a couple of years--when I got it, it was in a Marlin box. And I'm certain of the year that I got it.