New Lever Gun: Marlin in 30-30 or 45-70?

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sumoj275

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I can load for both calibers so that is not an issue. Both calibers are 150-200 max. I want a scout version and both are doable. Help a guy decide?
 

gillman7

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Depends if you already have a 30/30. Everyone needs one of those, but for a scout gun, I would go 45/70, of course, I already have a 30/30.

I have a real hankering for a 45/70 guide gun, preferrably in Synthetic/Stainless.....:yelclap:
 

SDarkRage

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I've got both a Marlin 336 in 30-30 with the XS scout mount with a Leupold 2.5x Scout scope on it and I recently accuired a Marlin 1895 in 45-70 that I haven't done anything with yet. I love the hell out of both guns and really enjoy the scout setup on the 30-30... I just don't have the $450 to put another setup on the 1895 like I did the 30-30.
 

NikatKimber

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I shot SDarkRage's .45-70, and it was a heck of a fun gun, but not something you'll want to shoot 20+ rounds through every time you're at the range. I haven't shot a .30-30 guide gun, but the 20" Win 94 I shot was fun. Now I guess if you reload you can download the .45-70 to a comfortable level, but if you're looking for something you'll want to shoot a lot just for the fun of it, you'd likely be better off with the .30-30. Not to mention smaller bullets being cheaper to reload.

Anyways, just my 2 cents as a non owner of either.
 

MaddSkillz

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I'd like a 45/70 or the 444 not sure... I currently have the 30-30 and love it. For reloaders, I'd think the 30-30 would have a lot more versatility and I would think it would be more fun to shoot.

Hey, do you know if someone is making bullets like the Hornady LE bullets? It would be kinda cool to reload those.
 

eby42

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Play it safe and go for the .45-70. Never know when you might have to deal with a charging rhinoceros. :shocked:

I actually wouldn't mind a nice Marlin .45-70, but I have to agree that you should get a .30-30 if you don't already have one. Perfectly capable of OK game and the fun factor out of a lever gun is very high with very little shoulder fatigue.
 

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