Lever guns

R

RandyV

New member
Thinking of buying a lever gun. Live in Alaska, am considering USRA 1886 Extra Light in 45-70, USRA Model 95 in 405 win. or a Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70. Have never even worked action of any of these. Any opionions would be appricated. Thanks
 
You might hunt up some of Keith Rogan's posts. He lives in Big Brown Bear country; I think he's in favor of the Guide Gun in .45-70, IIRC.

FWIW, Art
 
Robert. You said it all. For Randy. I have never shot the 1886 so no comment there. A friend has a modet 1895 in 30-06. It was a good shooter, but the lever throw fely a bit longer than I cared for. I don't have a Guide Gun, but I do have a marlin 1895 (New Model). The original with the sadistically (sp)designed curved butt plate. I've run some pretty stout loads through that rifle, and that would be my choice for up close and personal bear protection. They are not real long range propositions though.
Paul B.
 
The Winchester and Marlin firearms both have good actions. The Guide gun comes with the barrel ported. Could help if a big bear was lookin at you like lunch. John K
 
Marlin's 2001 catalog shows a new Guide Gun version in stainless and nickel, and you might want to wait for that. I recently bought a Guide Gun, in part to take it to AK when I go back to do field research (I used to live in Fairbanks and work at UAF), and, as Robert suggested, will take Garrett's ammo with me. It's a great shooter, though you'll want to replace the factory sights with someting like the Ashley peeps.
 
I have both a 1886 Extra Lightweight and an older 1895marlin in 45/70.Also a Model 95Win in 270Win.And a buddy of mine has a Marlin guide gun in the new 450Marlin.MY personal favorite is the 1886 Extra Lightweight.It seams to be very reliable and handles like a fine shotgun.However it is twice the price of a Marlin and you can't scope it if that is important.If money is an issue I would get one of the Marlins,they are hard to beat.The Model 95Win is a little harder to load for me and doesn't handle quite a good in my opinion but is very accurate even at 200yds in the 270.Which ever you buy I would recomend a reciever sight with a ghost ring aperture.
 
I carry a marlin 1895ss quite often here. I had it converted to a co-pilot, but its still a marlin and I love it on the trail.
Unfortunatly Garrett doesnt sell there ammo up here. In Soldotna theres a place called Ammosmiths of alaska that makes 400gr cast @1850fps specifically for the guide gun.
I've never shot the other brands of 45/70's and I'm sure you cant go wrong with either.
 
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