Author Topic: Marlin 450 or 45-70, Browing, Marlin, or Winchester? (Read 1026 times)

Teddy · « **on:** November 02, 2004, 12:23:19 AM »

My question is not related to the difference in the 45-70 and the 450, let's assume they are the same for this comparison. Has anyone used the following models and have reason to prefer one over the other:

Browning BLR Lightweight `81
Marlin 1895M
Marlin 1958MR
Winchester 1886 Extra Light
Winchester Model 94 Timber

What are the pros and cons? Best quality?

Lawdog · « **Reply #1 on:** November 02, 2004, 10:17:18 AM »

Teddy,

I would go with the Browning BLR as it has the added advantage of being able to use pointed/spitzer type bullets "SAFELY". It isn't advisable to use them in a tubular magazine rifle for obvious reasons. Lawdog

Winter Hawk · « **Reply #2 on:** November 02, 2004, 01:03:35 PM »

Yeah, but the Browning is U-G-L-Y!!! :-D

-WH-

dabigmoose · « **Reply #3 on:** November 03, 2004, 06:21:30 AM »

YOU GUYS FORGOT ONE
THE VERY hANDSOME MOD 1895 WINCHESTER
and pointed bullets are not a problem.
I used one a good many a year in 06.
Great rifle ,The Win mod 1886 take down is a fine rifle
and also a mod 71.
If ya want a 45/70 any of them are good rifles i tend to like the 1886
but they are a heaver rifle than the others.
dabigmoose

Lawdog · « **Reply #4 on:** November 03, 2004, 07:32:12 AM »

dabigmoose,

The 1895 Winchester is a very good rifle(thinking about getting one a friend has for sale in .405) but I was unable to find one chambered in either the .45-70 or .450 Marlin. Lawdog

victorcharlie · « **Reply #5 on:** November 03, 2004, 08:40:52 AM »

Not sure how the others shoot, but the Marlin 1895 that I have in 45.70 is a pretty darn good shooter with groups running around 1 1/4" at a hundred yards with factory PMC HA +P+ ammo. It's a hot load, and I will eventually try to load something a bit lighter, but it shoots so consistent with this ammo, and with the hunting season upon us, I don't want to change anything until spring time.

Also, it is my understanding that most of the bullets in .458 that are pointed are designed for more velocity than either of these rounds are capable of producing without being over pressure......... Just my 2 cents..........

dabigmoose · « **Reply #6 on:** November 04, 2004, 05:48:33 AM »

Yeah I agree about the velocity issue on some of them
in those calibers.I use a 450 alaskan and can get some good
results with some of them around 2400 to 2500.The 95 in one of the Scoville Hawk
CALS such as a 416 would be migthy interesting.
dabigmoose

txpete · « **Reply #7 on:** November 08, 2004, 10:31:25 AM »

I have a marlin 45/70 LTD II and a browing BLR in 270.the marlin is a tack driver and used for brush hunting.the browning blr more for open fields.
I don't think the browning is ugly and the slickest lever I have ever owned.
I have shot my friends winchester 95 in 30-06 they are nice they just don't carry as well in the field(for me) and loading the mag could be a hassel until your used to it.I have been looking at a 405 now for a month in our local shop.$1000.00 ouch.
pete

quickdtoo · « **Reply #8 on:** November 08, 2004, 10:57:28 AM »

Quote from: txpete

I don't think the browning is ugly and the slickest lever I have ever owned.

I agree, the BLR is the best lever I've ever handled. But I certainly don't care for the newer model's look, the older steel receiver models look much better than the new aluminum receiver models.