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Offline dave hall

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I have to choose
« on: October 04, 2006, 07:38:50 PM »
I have to pick between a Ruger #3 in 45-70 great shape $475 or a Marlin 1895M 450  brand new $466.Using it for deer-bear-target.I have owed both cal's,but neather gun.What do you think,Dave.
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Offline Hammerspur

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Re: I have to choose
« Reply #1 on: October 05, 2006, 02:01:04 AM »
Being a single shot man myself, I vote for the #3... ;)

You can always find leverguns in various cal's on the racks BUT No. 3's aren't made anymore, are more desirable in operation than No. 1's, IMO and if it's a nice one you'll kick yourself later for passing on it! >:(

Steve
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Offline Redhawk1

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Re: I have to choose
« Reply #2 on: October 05, 2006, 02:16:14 AM »
I had both a Ruger #1 and a Lever action 45-70, I still have the Marlin 1895 GS. It is more of a personal like that which is better. I just like the idea of a quick follow up shot.
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Offline DennisB

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Re: I have to choose
« Reply #3 on: October 05, 2006, 02:25:29 AM »
Dave:  Get the #3!  You can always find a Marlin out there.  I have a #3 in 45-70 in the cabinet and just picked up another in .375 Win this week for a little less that you are looking at. 
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Offline Mac11700

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Re: I have to choose
« Reply #4 on: October 05, 2006, 03:29:37 AM »
Quote from: dave hall on October 04, 2006, 07:38:50 PM
I have to pick between a Ruger #3 in 45-70 great shape $475 or a Marlin 1895M 450  brand new $466.Using it for deer-bear-target.I have owed both cal's,but neather gun.What do you think,Dave.

That's a hard choice..The #3's are becoming difficult to find..the 450M Marlin isn't...Both are fine weapons....I was in the exact position your in last month...I elected to spend a bit more...and get one of the new 1895 XLR's...I'll keep my single shots as Handi-rifles for now...it's just cheaper that way...I say if your interestd in a repeater...the Marlin is the way to go there....since the 450M is already loaded hot and the Marlin will handle it..Now if your wanting to take the 45-70 to max loads...the Ruger is the way to go...provided your shoulder can take it...

Mac
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Offline dave hall

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Re: I have to choose
« Reply #5 on: October 05, 2006, 08:43:12 AM »
The # 3 is in 90% condition the guy says.Do you think it's worth $475 + 25 S&H ?
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Offline Coyote Hunter

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Re: I have to choose
« Reply #6 on: October 06, 2006, 03:25:22 AM »
Quote from: dave hall on October 05, 2006, 08:43:12 AM
The # 3 is in 90% condition the guy says.Do you think it's worth $475 + 25 S&H ?

If it wa a #1 I would say "yes" with no hesitation.  But I keep passing up the #3's.  Going for bear I think I would rather have the Marlin and the extra rounds in the magazine. 

I would also strongly suggest you look at the .45-70 as well as the 450.  There is a much wider range of ammo available for the .45-70, including less expensive rounds for fun and hunting rounds that do anything the 450 will do (see Buffalo Bore and Garrett ammo). If you start handloading the difference is minimal but the .45-70 will do a bit more than the 450.

Full disclosure - I have a Marlin 1895SS in .45-70.  It was made in 2000 and I picked it up used for $249.95 in 2002.  Much as I love Rugers (I have Ruger 4 bolts and 3 revolvers), my leverguns (1 Browning and 3 Marlins) are the rifles I reach for when fun is the primary objective.
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Offline crow_feather

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Re: I have to choose
« Reply #7 on: October 06, 2006, 12:01:42 PM »
My # 3 in 45-70 beat the snot outta my middle finger.  It got to where I couldn't drive in heavy traffic (couldn't salute them other drivers due to the pain).  If you need a hunting rifle in 45-70, find a converted Siamese mauser.

C F
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Offline LEO

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Re: I have to choose
« Reply #8 on: October 06, 2006, 07:41:33 PM »
I have a #3 in 45-70 and a Marlin 1895 in 45-70.  I love the #3 simply for the style of the rifle.  It is quite accurate but with hot loads it is very unpleasant to shoot, not an issue with trapdoor loads.  The 1895 is much more pleasant to shoot, just as accurate, but not quite as handy.  If it were me I would opt for the 1895 but in 45-70.  The 450 is a one load cartridge where as the 45-70 will top out with the 450, remember the big selling point when the 450 came out was that it was the factory equivelant of max 45-70 handloads. 45-70 brass is cheaper and easier to come by and I suspect will be with us as long as the metallic cartridge.  I don't know if I would say that about the 450.  Actually for the animals you have specified the factory (trap door) 45-70 loads will serve you well.  But both rifles are great firearms and you will enjoy whichever you choose
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