I want a 45/70

S

sandman31774

New member
I've got the itch to get a 45/70. I am not wanting to put much money into it. Thinking of one of the cheaper singleshots. I have seen the H&R Handirifles...I also came across a cva stalker at academy. I like the feel of both and they are both moderately priced. Any opinions for me? Any other models you recommend that I haven't seen? thanks !
 
I can't say a thing about the CVA rifle,,,

But the Handi-Rifle is a nice gun.

I own two handi-rifles although not in 45-70,,,
I can attest to the overall good quality,,,
I do shoot my friends 45-70 a bit.

Recoil is definitely there,,,
Not crippling but you know you've shot a big cartridge.

3 shots and I say "I'm done now."

Aarond
 
Kinda off the subject,,,

But does anyone out there really think that BFR stands for Big Frame Revolver?

Several months back their website said it stood for Biggest Finest Revolver.

Aarond
 
I have a Marlin 1895 Cowboy that I paid right around $750 for brand new(2011). I havent experianced any problems with it other than bending the extractor out alittle so it would cycle smoother. It shoots great (about 1" at 100 yards), and it holds more than one round.

If you decide to get a H&R get the Buffalo Classic, its a bit heavier but it will absorb some of the recoil the lightweight handi rifle wont.
 
the only 45-70 I've owned (still own it) is the Marlin 1895 SS. It's got cut rifling (not micro-groove), and is a pleasure to handle and shoot. It carries well, at least the one time I took it out to the deer lease. Deer didn't cooperate that trip, though :(
I think you can find them for around 400 dollars if you shop around at gunshows, etc..
I can't say for sure, but I imagine a Handi-Rifle in that caliber would be a thumper. If that was all I could afford, though, I wouldn't hesitate. You don't have to shoot "firewall" loads to make the 45-70 effective. A 405gr bullet at 1100-1200 fps should take care of ANYTHING on this continent. And if you enjoy loads that will loosen fillings, :eek: you CAN load it hotter than that.
 
thanks for the replies so far ! I can reload my own so I can experiment with some loads that won't be so punishing if I choose the handi rifle etc....i'm a big guy also and recoil doesn't bother me as much as some folks.
I do like the looks of the cva stalker at academy sports...but don't see it listed on cva's website...any input on it?
 
Everybody wants one....Till they get one. The LGS where I hang out has a few that are in and out like a revolving door. They sell them, and a few months they are traded back in on something else. Guy tells me he has sold one rifle 5-6 times and has made a lot of money selling it over and over again along with ammo for it.

I've had a Marlin 1895 since 1976. It's a good round and will perform as advertised. But truthfully, they don't kill anything any deader than many other rounds with half the recoil and twice the range.

I'm not trying to talk anyone out of buying one, just go in with all the facts.
 
Recoil of the factory (black powder level) load in a rifle of decent weight isn't bad. BUT, when you go to a light weight rifle, it gets much more noticable.

And, in a light weight rifle that can handle higer pressure loads, recoil can be very...authoritative.

I had a Marlin 1895 for many years, got rid of it last fall, surplus to needs. Also had a Siamese Mauser conversion, and traded it off after several years as well.

The one I have kept is a Ruger No.3. Very light, short and handy, and will put 3 rnds in two holes at 50yds with a 2.5x post scope. Also capable of launching a 350gr bullet at 2200fps! yes, that measured, and also MAX! Not pleasant to shoot, and I would never consider shooting that load prone!

I also have a 14" Contender barrel in .45-70, and while it won't handle the super heavy loads, it is accurate, powerful, and a hoot to shoot.

There's nothing wrong with the Handi rifle, if you like the style. And the price is certainly attrractive. But, if you want a break action, and you can afford it, I would recommend the Contender. You can get it fitted out as a carbine with a 16" (or longer) barrel and a buttstock. Sitll in the lightweight class, but a Contender lets you get other barrels and swap them easily, giving you more than one gun, with one trigger pull.
 
i don't post on this forum much but i gotta say...when i have questions...i think they are always answered and with lots of ideas and facts ! I always come here first !
thanks for the input ! I will do a little more homework...but i think a singleshot will serve me well...i don't mind heavy recoil....i'm just looking for a new toy i guess...got plenty of other rifles that will kill deer and hogs just as dead and with less recoil....just need a new toy Ha
 
There's a reason I call my Guide Gun "Thumper"...and it's not because it's furry and cute. :D BP loads and lead boolits killed millions of buffalo so my hunting loads often wind up around the BP level or just slightly north of there.
 
I've hunted with my buddy's 30.06 handi-rifle and it's a light, accurate gun that we use as a back up.

With that, I own a Ruger No. 1 in 45-70 and it my pride and joy. Great to look at but its also a great shooting gun.

Recoil is a bit heavy but I don't find it too bad. I'd guess that the No.1 weights a little more than the handi-rifle so recoil might be a bit sharper. Again, I don't find it bad, but if you are recoil sensitive, I'd consider a heavier rifle if I was going 45-70.

One other suggestion, since you handload, the Ruger No.1 can be pushed to very hot loadings for the 45-70 Gov't. I believe you can actually push the Ruger into the lower end of a .458 Winchester. More gun than you'll ever need for deer, but it would be fun to run some really hot modern loads through a rifle that can take it. As far as the handi-rifle goes, it would certainly be worth checking out what type loadings it can take.
 
I don't mind recoil at all...but..for my purposes, i'd definitely work up a load on the light side of things. The Rugers are nice indeed though !
 
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