lever

S

Steel

New member
I am sure this has been thrown around a lot in one form or another...

I am looking to extend my gun collection to include a big bore lever action. Any hunting it sees, if any, will be south Texas deer or Javelinas. Additionally, it might serve as a quick iron site rifle for Colorado, etc., elk hunt(s)in bear country. I am not a reloader and have not scrutinized the ballistics of the three main rounds. Could someone offer a general overview of the .45-70, .444, and .450 options, as well as a Marlin vs. Winchester perspective for these three. I appreciate your feedback.

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free." [Johann W. Von Goethe]
 
No reccomendation on caliber

but next time you're at the gunshow, pick up a Marlin and a Winchester side by side. Work the action, look for tool marks, check out the overall fit/feel of the gun. I think you'll find the Marlin a better levergun.
 
You are right, it has been debated at some time, since I have been doing the shopping lately...
To sum it up, here's the highlights (perhaps tainted, since I'm in for a Marlin 45-70)
1- 45-70 have been around for more than 100 years, and has proved more than enough its efficency (within its own limits)
2- 450 Marlin is a brand new cartridge, with only one manufacturer, and since you don't reload ammo availability could very well become a problem. Since it's been out for a year or so, no one really knows if it's going to catch on or just be a cartridge-of-the-day fad.
3- 444 Marlin, I don't know enough about it to comment, and will do the right thing by letting the wise describe it.
4- The Marlin gun seems stronger, has side-ejection, a solid-top receiver and shorter lever throw. But it's heavier and somewhat bulkier than it's Winchester counterpart.
Hope this helps,
But then again, I could be the village idiot! :)
 
For calibers, the 45-70 will have a larger variety of bullet weights and powder charges for a non handloader. For brands, I go with Marlin for large rifle rounds, and Winchester for handgun rounds.
 
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