I got to shoot a Marlin 45-70 couple months ago at the range.
Guy next to me had one and I got to shoot 4 rounds.
He said the load was 375gr @ 1,300 fps and it's was his hunting load.
At 50 rounds the first shot was about 3" low but next three rounds were centered on the bullseye.
I thought from the size of the cartridge that I was going to land on my butt but the recoil was not bad.
I don't see the need for such large caliber rifle for my hunting purpose but that rifle was very nice and the cartridge was "interesting".
I've been reading about the rifle and the cartridge lately and I may get one in future "just because I don't have one".
Have an 1895gs.....LOVE IT. Paid around 540 shipped and transferred...brand new. Its a bit much for florida but a blast to shoot and useful for your big game trips (bear, moose, elk, etc.).
I HAVE A 45-70 AND LOVE IT. I GOT IT WHEN I LIVED IN N.Y. FOR BEAR HUNTING IN HEAVY COVER. GREAT GUN FOR SOME PLACE DOWN HERE. WHEN YOU HIT SOME THING WITH THIS GUN IT IS NOT GOING ANY WHERE. THE PRICE OF THE GUN IS GOOD. I THINK THAT SAME GUN NEW IS NEAR $800.00
It's near $800 if you impulse buy it, at full retail. Plenty of them available, if you have patience, in the $400-600 range.
I found one for $500. Thinking about it real hard. Seems like a good deal. Then I just have to get rid of one of my 30-30's to make room in the safe!
